Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons asserts that immigration agents are facing significant challenges and dangers, following a recent incident in which a suspected illegal migrant attempted to evade arrest by ramming cars.
Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Todd Lyons expressed serious concerns on Tuesday regarding the safety and effectiveness of federal immigration agents. His remarks followed the release of a video showing a suspected illegal migrant in San Antonio ramming vehicles in an attempt to escape arrest.
The footage depicts the migrant using a car to collide with vehicles that were blocking their path, illustrating the lengths to which some individuals will go to evade law enforcement. During an appearance on Fox News’ “Hannity,” Lyons was questioned about the impact of political rhetoric on such incidents, particularly comments from Democratic officials criticizing ICE operations.
“When we hear elected officials calling upon individuals to impede or obstruct ICE law enforcement operations nationwide, you’re going to see incidents like this,” Lyons stated. He emphasized the dangers faced by ICE agents, noting that one officer sustained neck injuries during the incident when their vehicle was struck.
“Every day, this is what the men and women of ICE are facing,” he continued. “It’s constant impediments, constant attacks like this. And it’s not safe for my folks; it’s not safe for the public. It really needs to stop.”
Lyons further claimed that organized criminal gangs are working to disrupt immigration enforcement efforts. “It’s a constitutional right to go out there and protest. But when you have organized criminal gangs that are organizing these groups to impede or obstruct law enforcement operations, that’s a criminal act,” he asserted. He mentioned that investigations are underway involving Homeland Security and the FBI to hold those responsible accountable.
In response to recent comments from Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, who threatened to prosecute any ICE agent committing unlawful acts during operations, Lyons defended his agency. Krasner clarified that his threat does not extend to “honest, decent, moral” agents.
“The men and women of ICE, the men and women of HSI, they’re not committing any crimes,” Lyons argued. “So he doesn’t have to worry about arresting any of my folks because what we’re doing is we’re enforcing the law. We are out there every day making this nation and his city safe again.”
Lyons urged Krasner to focus on the consequences of sanctuary policies that allow criminal aliens to return to neighborhoods, where they may commit serious crimes, including fentanyl trafficking and human trafficking. “He should focus on those and let law enforcement do law enforcement work,” he added.
The discussion comes in the wake of a tragic incident in Minnesota, where Renee Nicole Good, a U.S. citizen, was fatally shot by ICE agent Jonathan Ross. The agent fired into the driver’s side window of her vehicle, leading to a crash. The shooting has drawn condemnation from Democrats and local residents, who have labeled it murder and called for Ross’ prosecution. Conversely, supporters of the Trump administration and Republican lawmakers have defended the shooting as justified.
As the debate over immigration enforcement continues, the challenges faced by ICE agents remain a focal point of discussion, highlighting the complexities of law enforcement in a politically charged environment.
According to Fox News, the situation underscores the ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement and local policies, as well as the risks that agents encounter in the field.