ICE Director Stands Firm After Heated Hearing with Democrats

Lyons defends agency's mission and vows to continue upholding oath despite resignation demands

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons is standing his ground after a heated exchange with Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell, who demanded Lyons' resignation. Lyons told Fox News Digital that he will not resign, as he believes in upholding the rule of law and defending the Constitution. Several other Democrats, including Reps. Daniel Goldman, Ilhan Omar, and Pramila Jayapal, have also called for Lyons' ouster and accountability for ICE's actions, particularly in Minneapolis. However, Lyons says he is proud of the work ICE agents do to keep the country safe and that he will continue to lead the agency.

Why it matters

The clash between Lyons and the Democratic lawmakers highlights the ongoing political tensions and debate over the role and tactics of federal immigration enforcement agencies like ICE. The demands for Lyons' resignation reflect the deep partisan divide on immigration policy and the desire by some Democrats to rein in or even abolish ICE.

The details

During a congressional hearing, Rep. Eric Swalwell, a California gubernatorial candidate, demanded that Lyons resign and find work as an 'otherwise employable' law enforcement officer. Swalwell's comments were the latest in a series of calls by Democrats for Lyons to step down, particularly after an ICE enforcement surge in Minneapolis led to the agent-involved shooting deaths of two agitators. Lyons defended his agency's mission, saying he is proud of the work ICE agents do and that he will not resign, as he believes in upholding the rule of law.

  • The heated exchange between Lyons and Swalwell occurred during a congressional hearing this week.

The players

Todd Lyons

The acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), who is defending his agency's actions and refusing to resign despite demands from Democratic lawmakers.

Eric Swalwell

A Democratic congressman from California and gubernatorial candidate who demanded that Lyons resign during a congressional hearing.

Daniel Goldman

A Democratic congressman from Manhattan who, along with Swalwell, co-sponsored the ICE OUT Act and told Lyons that if he did not want his agency compared to 'a fascist regime or secret police, then stop acting like one.'

Ilhan Omar

A Democratic congresswoman from Minnesota whose district has been the focus of ICE's enforcement actions, and who called for Lyons to be held accountable for the 'military style occupation.'

Pramila Jayapal

A Democratic congresswoman from Washington state who led 156 other lawmakers in a formal demand for leadership changes at ICE.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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.”

— Todd Lyons, Acting ICE Director (Fox News Digital)

“If lawmakers want to 'mischaracterize' ICE's mission and use their recollection as grounds for resignation demands, they are 'misleading their constituents and doing our nation a disservice.'”

— Todd Lyons, Acting ICE Director (Fox News Digital)

“If you do not want your agency compared to 'a fascist regime or secret police, then stop acting like one.'”

— Daniel Goldman, Democratic Congressman (Fox News Digital)

What’s next

The judge overseeing the case involving the agent-involved shooting deaths in Minneapolis is expected to make a decision on whether to hold Lyons and ICE accountable for the incident.

The takeaway

The clash between Lyons and the Democratic lawmakers underscores the deep partisan divide over immigration enforcement and the ongoing debate over the role and tactics of agencies like ICE. While Lyons remains defiant, the pressure from Democrats to hold him and his agency accountable is likely to continue.