Trump Immigration Chiefs Testify After Protester Deaths

Lawmakers grill ICE, CBP leaders over enforcement tactics and public backlash

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The heads of the agencies carrying out President Donald Trump's mass deportation agenda, including Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott, and USCIS Director Joseph Edlow, testified before Congress amid growing public scrutiny over immigration enforcement tactics that have led to the deaths of protesters. Democrats grilled the officials on issues like the use of masked federal agents, aggressive home raids, and the agencies' disregard for civil liberties.

Why it matters

Trump's hardline immigration policies have faced increasing backlash, with two recent protester deaths at the hands of Homeland Security officers further fueling public outrage. Congress is now weighing whether to impose new restrictions on immigration enforcement as part of the upcoming DHS budget negotiations, setting up a showdown over the administration's deportation agenda.

The details

The immigration agency chiefs defended their enforcement actions, with ICE's Lyons saying officers 'will not be dissuaded' and that 'we are only getting started' on mass deportations. CBP's Scott condemned 'attacks' on federal agents, while USCIS's Edlow focused on combating fraud. Democrats accused the agencies of trampling on civil liberties and demanded accountability for the protester deaths.

  • The hearing took place on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
  • The two protester deaths that sparked the hearing occurred in Minneapolis in January 2026.

The players

Todd Lyons

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

Rodney Scott

The commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Joseph Edlow

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

Rep. Bennie Thompson

The Democratic chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, who accused the immigration agencies of 'reckless' actions.

Rep. Andrew Garbarino

The Republican chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, who warned against offensive comments about Trump or Vice President JD Vance.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“The family of ICE personnel have been made to feel unsafe in their homes. We are only getting started.”

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

“This is what having a secure border looks like.”

— Rodney Scott, Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection

“Fraud isn't just a paperwork issue, it's a national security and public safety concern.”

— Joseph Edlow, Director, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

“Every American should be outraged at Homeland Security's actions, and the department and its secretary Kristi Noem must be held accountable.”

— Rep. Bennie Thompson, Chairman, House Committee on Homeland Security

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This hearing highlights the growing tensions between the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement tactics and concerns over civil liberties, public safety, and accountability. As Congress debates the DHS budget, the future of these policies hangs in the balance.