Republicans Defend Immigration Tactics at Tense House Hearing

ICE chief declines to apologize for 'domestic terrorism' comments about fatal shootings by agents

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Top Trump administration officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, had characterized the victims of fatal shootings by immigration officers in Minneapolis as engaging in 'domestic terrorism.' During a tense U.S. House hearing, ICE acting Director Todd Lyons declined to apologize for those comments. Lawmakers on the House Homeland Security Committee grilled Lyons, Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Joseph Edlow over the agency's tactics and the fatal shootings.

Why it matters

The hearing highlighted the ongoing tensions between Democrats and the Trump administration over immigration enforcement, with Democrats pushing for policy changes to the appropriations bill that funds the agency for fiscal year 2026. The fatal shootings of the two Minneapolis residents have scrambled a bipartisan agreement on the measure, and Democrats are calling for an end to roving patrols and other tactics used by immigration agents.

The details

Lyons, Scott, and Edlow defended the agencies' tactics, with Scott calling the thousands of protestors and legal observers in Minnesota 'paid agitators.' Democrats questioned the officials on policy proposals they are pushing for, including mandating body cameras for immigration agents and requiring those officers to identify themselves and not wear masks. The officials pushed back on those proposals, with Lyons saying he would not commit to instructing ICE agents to stop wearing face coverings and masks.

  • The deportation campaign in Minneapolis began more than two months ago.
  • The fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti occurred on January 7 and January 24, respectively.

The players

Todd Lyons

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

Rodney Scott

The commissioner of Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Joseph Edlow

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

Kristi Noem

The former Homeland Security Secretary under the Trump administration, who had characterized the victims of the fatal shootings as engaging in 'domestic terrorism.'

Renee Good

A poet and mother of three who was fatally shot by immigration officers in Minneapolis.

Alex Pretti

An intensive care unit nurse who was fatally shot by immigration officers in Minneapolis.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm not going to speak to any ongoing investigation.”

— Todd Lyons, Acting Director, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

“I've called for de-escalation after the two deaths, the two shootings that took place. I believe that these roving patrols should be done at the border rather than in the major cities of the United States.”

— Michael McCaul, Former Chair, House Homeland Security Committee

“I have as much respect for you as I do for the last white men who put on masks to terrorize communities of color. I have no respect for the inheritors of the Klanhood and the slave patrol. Those activities were criminal and so are yours.”

— Delia Ramirez, U.S. Representative, Illinois

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Friday whether or not to allow continued funding for much of the Department of Homeland Security, including immigration enforcement.

The takeaway

This hearing highlights the ongoing political tensions over immigration enforcement tactics, with Democrats pushing for policy changes to increase oversight and accountability, while Republicans defend the agencies' actions. The fatal shootings of the two Minneapolis residents have become a flashpoint, underscoring the need for de-escalation and a re-evaluation of the use of force by immigration agents.