Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons Defies Democratic Calls to Resign Amid Minneapolis Controversy
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd Lyons has refused to step down despite mounting pressure from Democratic lawmakers following a high-profile immigration enforcement surge in Minneapolis that resulted in the deaths of two agitators during agent-involved shootings. The controversy has ignited a political firestorm, with critics demanding Lyons’ resignation and accusing ICE of overreach, while Lyons remains resolute in defending the agency’s mission.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital on February 13, 2026, Lyons reaffirmed his commitment to leading ICE and supporting the officers under his command. “Leading this agency is a choice, and it’s one I make to stand side-by-side with the brave men and women who enforce this nation’s immigration laws,” Lyons said. “I’m proud of the work they do every day to keep our country, our communities, and our families safe.”
The call for Lyons to resign was notably amplified by California Representative Eric Swalwell, who is also a gubernatorial candidate. During a congressional hearing earlier this week, Swalwell challenged Lyons to step down or risk being perceived as siding with “killers,” referring to the agents involved in the Minneapolis incident. Swalwell further suggested that Lyons seek employment elsewhere, underscoring the deep partisan divide over immigration enforcement policies.
Lyons dismissed these demands as politically motivated and misleading to the public. He accused Democrats of misrepresenting the facts surrounding the enforcement actions and emphasized that ICE’s operations are conducted within the bounds of federal law and with public safety as a priority. “The Democrats are misleading their constituents by ignoring the complexities of immigration enforcement and the threats posed by criminal elements exploiting our borders,” Lyons asserted.
The enforcement surge in Minneapolis was part of a broader initiative authorized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to target criminal networks and individuals violating immigration laws. According to DHS guidelines, ICE agents are tasked with removing individuals who pose a threat to national security or public safety, a mission Lyons insists remains critical amid ongoing border challenges.
The incident in Minneapolis, however, has drawn sharp criticism from immigrant rights groups and some local officials. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other advocacy organizations have condemned the use of deadly force and called for increased oversight of ICE operations. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey publicly questioned the value of the federal surge, reflecting tensions between local jurisdictions and federal immigration authorities.
Despite the backlash, Lyons has received support from some quarters emphasizing the importance of robust immigration enforcement. Lawmakers aligned with the current administration have praised ICE’s efforts to uphold the rule of law and protect communities from criminal activity linked to immigration violations.
This standoff comes amid a politically charged environment where immigration remains a flashpoint issue ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported sustained high numbers of border crossings in recent months, intensifying demands for effective enforcement and comprehensive immigration reform.
As Lyons continues to lead ICE through this turbulent period, the debate over immigration enforcement and agency accountability is expected to remain a central theme in Washington. With Democrats pushing for leadership changes and Republicans rallying behind Lyons, the agency finds itself at the heart of a broader national conversation about border security, public safety, and humanitarian concerns.
For now, Acting Director Todd Lyons stands firmly by his decision to remain at the helm of ICE, underscoring his belief in the agency’s mission and the dedication of its workforce.
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