‘Totally Wrong’: Acting ICE Director Responds to Democratic Mayor

ICE Director testifies before House Appropriations Subcommittee

ICE Director testifies before House Appropriations Subcommittee, ICE Director testifies in front of Congress, Highway Patrol at Union Station during protests, Mayor speaks at the Democratic National Convention, Chicago Mayor at Democratic National Convention, Police car burns during Los Angeles protests, Clash with protesters in Iowa

Acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd Lyons has criticized Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson for referring to ICE as a "militarized force," calling the remark “disgusting." Lyons defended the agency’s role in maintaining public safety, emphasizing its focus on targeting serious criminal offenders. Their clash has come amid ongoing tensions between federal immigration authorities and progressive city leaders, particularly as the Trump administration has amplified its immigration enforcement measures.

ICE Director testifies in front of Congress

ICE Director testifies before House Appropriations Subcommittee, ICE Director testifies in front of Congress, Highway Patrol at Union Station during protests, Mayor speaks at the Democratic National Convention, Chicago Mayor at Democratic National Convention, Police car burns during Los Angeles protests, Clash with protesters in Iowa

Lyons said, “For an elected official like the mayor of Chicago to compare us to a militarized force… that’s absolutely disgusting, and he’s totally wrong.” He said, “She and others put themselves at risk” by showing their faces.

Highway Patrol at Union Station during protests

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Lyons added, “Their families could be doxxed, they could be threatened, but they are proud of the work they do because they know they’re making a difference for the American citizens.”

Mayor speaks at the Democratic National Convention

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Lyons noted an 830% increase in assaults against ICE officers compared to the previous year. The surge in violence against federal agents has coincided with a more hostile political environment.

Chicago Mayor at Democratic National Convention

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Lyons said, "What he should really do is look at Chicago with the amount of criminal aliens that he's harboring under his sanctuary policies."

Police car burns during Los Angeles protests

ICE Director testifies before House Appropriations Subcommittee, ICE Director testifies in front of Congress, Highway Patrol at Union Station during protests, Mayor speaks at the Democratic National Convention, Chicago Mayor at Democratic National Convention, Police car burns during Los Angeles protests, Clash with protesters in Iowa

Lyons added, "The men and women of ICE are out there every day doing their law enforcement mission. They are some of the bravest people I've ever had a chance to serve with."

Clash with protesters in Iowa

ICE Director testifies before House Appropriations Subcommittee, ICE Director testifies in front of Congress, Highway Patrol at Union Station during protests, Mayor speaks at the Democratic National Convention, Chicago Mayor at Democratic National Convention, Police car burns during Los Angeles protests, Clash with protesters in Iowa

Democratic leaders have called for greater transparency at ICE, prompting Republican concerns that such efforts could endanger agents.

Emily Prescott covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.

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