N.J. Democrat Clashes with Trump's ICE Director Over Enforcement Tactics

Rep. LaMonica McIver accused acting ICE director Todd Lyons of responsibility for deaths during immigration operations, including two U.S. citizens shot in Minnesota.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A House Homeland Security Committee oversight hearing turned contentious as Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) accused Immigration and Customs Enforcement acting director Todd Lyons of having 'so much blood' on his hands due to deaths during immigration enforcement operations, including two U.S. citizens shot in Minnesota. McIver questioned whether Lyons considered himself a religious man and if he thought he was 'going to hell' for his actions, leading the committee chairman to remind members to adhere to standards of decorum.

Why it matters

The hearing highlighted the ongoing tensions and controversies surrounding the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement tactics, which have drawn criticism from Democrats over their impact on immigrant communities and concerns about civil liberties and use of force.

The details

During the hearing, McIver likened the enforcement operations to those of Nazi Germany and questioned how history would judge administration officials. Lyons defended the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, arguing that ICE was forced to act in response to an unprecedented border crisis. The hearing came after the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, during Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota last month.

  • The House Homeland Security Committee oversight hearing took place on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.

The players

Rep. LaMonica McIver

A first-term Democratic congresswoman from Newark, New Jersey, who has been a vigorous critic of the tactics deployed by federal immigration officers.

Todd Lyons

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

Andrew Garbarino

The Republican chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee.

Renee Good

A U.S. citizen who was fatally shot by federal agents during Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota last month.

Alex Pretti

A U.S. citizen who was fatally shot by federal agents during Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota last month.

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What they’re saying

“Mr. Lyons, do you consider yourself a religious man?”

— Rep. LaMonica McIver, Congresswoman (nj.com)

“Yes, ma'am.”

— Todd Lyons, Acting ICE Director (nj.com)

“OK, well how do you think Judgement Day will work for you with so much blood on your hands?”

— Rep. LaMonica McIver, Congresswoman (nj.com)

“This is seriously messed up.”

— White House response team (nj.com)

“We are just getting started.”

— Todd Lyons, Acting ICE Director (nj.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case against Rep. LaMonica McIver will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow her out on bail.

The takeaway

This hearing highlights the deep partisan divide over the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement tactics, with Democrats accusing officials of excessive use of force and civil liberties violations, while the administration defends its actions as necessary to address an 'unprecedented border crisis.'