ICE Director Clashes With Democrats Over Tactics

Lawmakers accuse agency of acting like a "fascist regime" and "secret police"

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Three top immigration officials, including the acting director of ICE, testified before a House committee on Tuesday, leading to heated exchanges with Democratic lawmakers over the agency's tactics and approach. Democrats accused ICE of acting like a "fascist regime" and "secret police", while Republicans defended the administration's efforts to curb illegal border crossings.

Why it matters

The hearing highlighted the ongoing political tensions over immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, with Democrats criticizing ICE's aggressive tactics and Republicans praising the agency's efforts to secure the border. The outcome could impact future funding and oversight of federal immigration agencies.

The details

During the hearing, Democratic Rep. Dan Goldman told ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons, "If you don't want to be called a fascist regime or secret police, then stop acting like one." Rep. Eric Swalwell also pressed Lyons to apologize to the families of two individuals fatally shot by ICE agents, but Lyons declined. Republicans largely defended the administration's immigration policies, though the committee chairman issued a veiled criticism of Homeland Security officials rushing to judgment about "their fellow Americans" without proper investigation.

  • The hearing took place on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.

The players

Todd Lyons

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

Rodney Scott

The head of Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Joseph Edlow

The director of Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS).

Dan Goldman

A Democratic Representative from New York.

Eric Swalwell

A Democratic Representative.

Andrew R. Garbarino

The chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security.

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What they’re saying

“If you don't want to be called a fascist regime or secret police, then stop acting like one.”

— Dan Goldman, Democratic Representative from New York (Washington Post)

“Is she a domestic terrorist?”

— Eric Swalwell, Democratic Representative (Politico)

“Officials and elected leaders should not rush to judgment. Public trust and public safety go hand in hand.”

— Andrew R. Garbarino, Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security (New York Times)

What’s next

The hearing unfolded as a possible Homeland Security shutdown looms this weekend, and Democrats seek new limits on federal immigration agents in exchange for funding.

The takeaway

The heated exchanges during the hearing highlight the deep political divisions over immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, with Democrats accusing ICE of heavy-handed tactics and Republicans defending the agency's efforts to secure the border. The outcome could have significant implications for the future funding and oversight of federal immigration agencies.