US immigration chiefs of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) faced questions from lawmakers on Tuesday, as they appeared before the US Congress.
Todd Lyons, acting director of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Rodney Scott, commissioner of US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Joe Edlow, director of US Citizenship and Immigration Services, all appeared before the the Republican-controlled House of Representatives Homeland Security Committee.
The hearing comes weeks after two US citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were killed by federal agents in Minnesota and amid mounting opposition to President Donald Trump’s crackdown on immigrants in the US, which has triggered a wave of protests and public criticism.
ICE is ‘only getting started’
In their opening statements, the three immigration chiefs defended the White House’s policy on immigration and the agency’s practices.
ICE’s Lyons said his agency was “fulfilling the mandate” of Trump’s mass deportation agenda, saying that officers faced the risk of assault.
“Despite these perils, our officers continue to execute their mission with unwavering resolve. And we are only getting started,” he said. “ICE remains committed to the fundamental principle that those who illegally enter our country must be held accountable.”
CBP’s Rodney Scott celebrated his agency’s efforts on the southern border, saying it had “spent the last year rebuilding what was an intentionally broken border” and that “the United States… enjoys the most secure border in our nation’s history.”
Democrats, Republicans divided during heated hearing
During the hearing, the immigration chiefs were thanked and praised by Republican lawmakers, saying the country was safe and saying illegal immigrants are causing chaos and crime.
“We would not be having this hearing if the Democrats attacked illegal immigration with the same vigor that they’re attacking law enforcement and the men at this table,” said Brad Knott, a Republican from North Carolina.
Meanwhile, Democrats accused the immigration heads of carrying out illegal actions, such as home searches without warrant, detaining people with a legal status and racial profiling.
“This administration and the agencies represented before us have shown a complete and utter disregard for the law and the Constitution,” Democratic Representative Tim Kennedy said.
Democrats call for reform
After the deaths of Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, the Trump administration tweaked its strategy in Minnesota.
Trump’s border czar Tom Homan took over operations in Minnesota, replacing Border Patrol’s roving commander Gregory Bovino.
Minnesota killing spurs backlash over ICE enforcement
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Trump himself also had acknowledged that a “softer touch” may be needed on immigration.
Despite announced changes by the Trump administration, Democrats in Congress have said ICE must be reformed.
Among their demands are the removal of ICE agent’s face masks, the introduction of body cameras and a more targeted focus on criminal offenders, instead of immigrants with no criminal record.
Additionally, Democratic lawmakers have threatened to block the 2026 funding bill for DHS.
Although the Trump administration is negotiating with Democrats, the two sides have not yet reached any compromises.
Edited by: Wesley Dockery
