Edith Hejberg
ICE has no plans to stop operations, despite business community concerns.
In his first major interview since taking over the agency, acting ICE Director Todd Lyons declared that agents will detain anyone found living in the U.S. illegally. Speaking on Face the Nation, Lyons emphasized that no one in the country unlawfully would be exempt from arrest under the current enforcement strategy.
Targeting Criminals Still a Priority, But Not the Only Focus
While ICE will continue to prioritize individuals with serious criminal records, Lyons made it clear that non-criminal undocumented immigrants could also be swept up during arrest operations.
He criticized “sanctuary” policies that prevent local law enforcement from handing over detainees, saying they force ICE agents to conduct broader community arrests.
Frustration Over Lack of Local Cooperation
Lyons expressed frustration with states and cities that don’t cooperate with ICE detainers.
He said he’d prefer to arrest noncitizens in jail who have already been deemed public safety risks, but instead ICE has to divert agents into neighborhoods, leading to more so-called “collateral” arrests.
Collateral Arrests Are Back in Full Force
Under the previous administration, ICE had restricted collateral arrests, detaining individuals not originally targeted but found to be undocumented.
That policy was reversed after President Trump’s return to office. Now, Lyons says ICE will detain any undocumented person encountered during operations.
ICE Aims to Drastically Increase Deportations
With a massive funding boost from Congress, ICE is preparing to ramp up deportations dramatically.
Lyons said reaching the White House goal of 1 million deportations per year is now “possible.” In the first six months of Trump’s new term, ICE has already deported nearly 150,000 people.
Not All Deportees Are Serious Offenders
Despite the administration’s focus on dangerous criminals, many deported individuals have minor offenses, like traffic violations or immigration-related infractions.
While ICE highlights arrests of serious felons, critics argue that the agency’s tactics often affect low-risk individuals and families.
Controversial Tactics Raise Concerns
ICE’s use of masked agents, arrests of asylum-seekers at court, and workplace raids have stirred public outcry.
Lyons defended these actions as necessary for agent safety and mission success. Still, the aggressive tactics continue to face pushback from immigrant advocacy groups and some local leaders.
Worksite Raids Resume Under Trump
The Biden-era pause on worksite immigration raids has been lifted. Recent operations have targeted meatpacking plants, racetracks, and cannabis farms, leading to hundreds of arrests, including minors.
Lyons confirmed ICE has no plans to stop such operations, despite business community concerns.
Employers Also in the Crosshairs
ICE isn’t just going after undocumented workers. Lyons said companies hiring unauthorized immigrants will be held accountable, describing the practice as far from “victimless.” He pointed to ongoing investigations exposing forced labor and even child trafficking as justification for tough enforcement.
“One Hundred Percent” Accountability for Employers
When asked whether ICE intends to go after employers, not just workers, Lyons didn’t hesitate: “One hundred percent.” He stressed that the agency’s goal is to target both the supply of illegal labor and the businesses exploiting it, signaling a broader crackdown ahead.
