ICE Official Calls Out Politicians for Endangering Homeland Security and Public Safety

Acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd Lyons has issued a strong public demand for politicians to "stop putting my people in danger," addressing the increasing tensions between federal ICE agents and local political leaders over immigration enforcement activities. In a video statement, Lyons specifically called out Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., accusing them of creating "outrage" through what he described as "ridiculous rhetoric and inflammatory comments" that contribute to hostile environments for federal officers.

The controversy intensified after high-profile ICE operations, including the largest ever ICE roundup resulting in the arrest of nearly 1,500 undocumented immigrants in a blue state. Mayor Wu voiced strong concerns during public remarks last week, stating, "People are terrified for their lives, and for their neighbors, folks getting snatched off the street by secret police, who are wearing masks … who can offer no justification for why certain people are being taken and then … detained." Her comments have been met with fierce pushback from federal officials and law enforcement supporters.

U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts Leah Foley entered the debate by addressing the issue of federal agents wearing masks during operations. "Federal agents in marked jackets and vests are masking their faces because people like Mayor Wu have created false narratives about their mission. Federal agents and their children are being threatened, doxxed and assaulted—that is why they must hide their faces," Foley emphasized in a widely shared online video. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) further denounced Wu’s comments, releasing a statement that read, "Mayor Wu comparing ICE agents to neo-Nazis is SICKENING... Attacks and demonization of our brave law enforcement is WRONG. ICE officers are now facing a 413% increase in assaults."

The rift between local leaders and federal agencies extends beyond Boston. Jeffries recently criticized ICE agents who allegedly "perpetrate aggressive overreach and attempt to conceal their identities," vowing that such agents would ultimately be identified "no matter what it takes, no matter how long it takes." Jeffries' remarks came amid heightened scrutiny after two separate incidents involving Democratic lawmakers and federal law enforcement officers.

In one instance, Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., claimed that ICE agents "shoved" her during an encounter. However, the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, Alina Habba, later announced that McIver herself had been charged with violating federal law by allegedly "assaulting, impeding and interfering with law enforcement." Meanwhile, in another episode, DHS agents "forcefully entered" the district office of Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., and briefly handcuffed a staffer during a security check prompted by protest activity. DHS officials stated the officers identified themselves and released all individuals without further incident, emphasizing adherence to security protocols.

As the debate continues, the language being used by politicians and federal officials has only grown sharper. While ICE leadership maintains that agents are performing "critical law enforcement duties under increasing threats," critics argue that the agency's methods are stoking community fear and undermining trust. With federal and local authorities at odds, calls for de-escalation and renewed dialogue remain urgent, especially as both sides navigate the ongoing challenges of immigration enforcement and public safety.