Top ICE Official Defends Agency's Actions in Congressional Hearing

Lawmakers question ICE head over Trump-era immigration enforcement tactics and recent controversial incidents

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The acting head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Todd Lyons, appeared before Congress to defend his agency's actions and tactics under the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. Lyons faced scrutiny over recent high-profile incidents, including the shooting deaths of two American citizens in Minneapolis, as well as the controversial detention of a young boy. While Lyons declined to comment on active investigations, he maintained that ICE officers need to wear masks to protect their identities and families.

Why it matters

The congressional hearing highlighted the ongoing tensions and controversies surrounding the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement policies, which have drawn criticism from Democrats over the tactics used by ICE and other federal agencies. The hearing also comes amid threats of a government shutdown over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, underscoring the political divisions on immigration issues.

The details

During the hearing, Lyons and other top immigration officials were questioned about several recent incidents that have sparked public outrage, including the shooting deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. While Lyons declined to comment on the active investigations, he said he had seen the video footage of Pretti's shooting but could not discuss it further. Democrats accused masked immigration officers of being "lawless and unaccountable," while Republicans argued the masks are needed to protect officers from "doxing." Lyons defended the use of masks, saying he supports officers who feel they need to protect their identities and families. The officials also faced questions about the controversial detention of a young boy, Liam Conejo Ramos, who was with his father when they were apprehended by immigration agents. Lyons denied allegations that the boy was used as "bait" to lure the father out of the home.

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

The players

Todd Lyons

The acting head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Rodney Scott

The head of Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Joseph Edlow

The head of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Renee Good

An American citizen who was killed in Minneapolis.

Alex Pretti

An American citizen who was killed in Minneapolis.

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What they’re saying

“I welcome the opportunity to speak to the family in private. But I'm not going to comment on any active investigation.”

— Todd Lyons, Acting Head of ICE (ksgf.com)

“That's one thing that I'm committed to is full transparency. And I fully welcome body cameras all across the spectrum in all of our law enforcement activities.”

— Todd Lyons, Acting Head of ICE (ksgf.com)

“He was obviously upset. We comforted him. The officers actually placed him in one of our vehicles, played his favorite song, favorite music. Then they took him to McDonald's.”

— Todd Lyons, Acting Head of ICE (ksgf.com)

What’s next

The congressional hearing took place amid threats of a government shutdown over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which could have a significant impact on ICE and other federal immigration enforcement agencies.

The takeaway

The hearing highlighted the ongoing political tensions and controversies surrounding the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement tactics, which have drawn criticism from Democrats over issues of accountability and transparency. The testimony from top immigration officials underscored the challenges they face in defending their actions and policies in the face of intense scrutiny.