Rep. McIver Confronts ICE Director Lyons on Faith and Accountability

Heated exchange at Congressional hearing on ICE actions and oversight

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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During a contentious Congressional hearing on ICE accountability, Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) directly asked ICE Director Todd Lyons if he thought he was going to hell for the 'blood on his hands' from the agency's actions, prompting audible groans from the Republican audience.

Why it matters

The exchange highlights the growing political and moral tensions around the role and conduct of federal immigration enforcement agencies like ICE, with lawmakers pressing for greater transparency and accountability around use of force incidents and deaths.

The details

At the hearing, lawmakers grilled ICE officials on whether there were investigations into violent actions by federal agents and if anyone has been fired over the shooting deaths of two protestors in Minneapolis. When Rep. McIver, a Baptist with strong support from faith leaders, asked Director Lyons if he was a person of faith and whether he thought he would face judgment for the 'blood on his hands', Lyons refused to entertain the question, prompting McIver to directly ask if he thought he was 'going to hell'.

  • The Congressional hearing took place on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Rep. LaMonica McIver

A Democratic Congresswoman from New Jersey who has immense support from faith leaders in her district.

Todd Lyons

The Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Bill Melugin

A Fox News congressional correspondent who reported on the exchange.

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What they’re saying

“How do you think Judgment Day will go for you with so much blood on your hands?”

— Rep. LaMonica McIver, Congresswoman

“Do you think you're going to hell, Mr. Lyons?”

— Rep. LaMonica McIver, Congresswoman

“I'm not going to entertain that question.”

— Todd Lyons, ICE Director

What’s next

The Congressional hearing is expected to continue with further questioning of ICE officials on their conduct and accountability measures.

The takeaway

This heated exchange underscores the deep moral and political divisions over the role of federal immigration enforcement, with lawmakers demanding greater transparency and accountability around the use of force and deaths under ICE's watch.