ICE chief, immigration officials testify at House hearing — full video

[0:00] and the public of the rules of decorum. These issues we are debating are important ones that [0:05] members feel deeply about. While vigorous disagreement is part of the legislative process, [0:11] members are reminded that we must adhere to established standards of decorum in debate. [0:15] It is a violation of House rules and the rules of this committee to engage in personalities [0:20] regarding other members or to question the motives of a colleague. It is also a clear violation of [0:25] the rules of the House to make statements that might personally be offensive to the President [0:29] or the Vice President of the United States. Remarks of that type are not permitted by the rules and [0:35] are not in keeping with the best traditions of our committee. The Chair will enforce these rules [0:39] of decorum at all times and urges all members to be mindful of their remarks. Further, under the [0:45] rules of the House, the Chairman is responsible for maintaining order and preserving decorum in the [0:50] committee room. I expect audience members to be respectful of the witnesses, members, and the [0:54] public. If members of the audience are persistently or overly disruptive, it is a violation of federal [1:01] law and you'll be subject to removal and arrest. I now recognize myself for an opening statement. [1:08] I want to start by thanking our witnesses for appearing before the committee today. Today's hearing [1:13] provides that the American people the ability to hear directly from the leaders that enforce our [1:18] nation's immigration laws. It is our imperative as representatives of the people to be a voice for [1:24] the people. Transparency, communication, and accountability are keys to good government. [1:30] This is why oversight is important. Informing Congress and the public is not casting accusations, [1:38] nor is it a punishment. Congress has a duty to hear directly from the executive branch, [1:43] a duty I take seriously. An executive branch has a duty to keep us informed. While this hearing was [1:49] long planned, we sit here today in an inflection point, an opportunity to assess and reinforce the [1:55] integrity of immigration enforcement to strengthen public trust, an opportunity to emphasize and [2:01] underscore the Department of Homeland Security's no-fail mission as a whole. My top priority [2:07] as chairman is, and will always be, protecting America while ensuring the safety of law enforcement. [2:15] This is further important in the context of another potential shutdown of the Department. [2:19] Let me be clear. Shunning down DHS makes America less safe and negatively impacts thousands of federal [2:26] employees like those at TSA and CISA. The Department of Homeland Security is the nation's largest federal law [2:33] enforcement agency. It is this committee's duty, regardless of administration, to conduct oversight. [2:40] We need to examine how DHS components are enforcing the law and ensure they have the resources in place to do work safely, [2:47] effectively, and properly. Last year, we provided historic resources through reconciliation to strengthen public safety and support [2:56] for the Trump administration's unprecedented efforts to secure the border. This was the single largest investment in the [3:02] domestic homeland security mission. To succeed, we all need to work together seamlessly, and this committee is a partner in that effort. [3:11] It is important to remember how we got here. For years, we witnessed a blanket refusal to enforce the law. Wide open borders, catch and release policies, and uncontrolled mass migration. [3:22] These policies undermine the rule of law and endangered all Americans. [3:27] Enforcing immigration law is not optional. Trump administration's record on border security is irrefutable. [3:32] Nationwide border encounters last December decreased 91 percent compared to 2023. [3:39] Apprehensions between ports of entry last December decreased 86 percent compared to 2024. [3:45] And we ended last year with eight consecutive months of zero parole releases by Border Patrol. [3:51] Further, thousands of criminal illegal aliens have been detained and deported. [3:56] These actions make America safer and more secure. [3:59] But the credibility of these successes is on the line. [4:01] We must take the temperature down and look at the record of enforcement actions through rational eyes. [4:08] We have seen a significant increase in violent rhetoric and agitation. [4:12] We have seen a significant increase in attacks on federal law enforcement and in the number of threats facing them and their families. [4:18] This committee highlighted the threat increases to law enforcement at an earlier hearing. [4:23] We have seen state and local jurisdictions refuse to protect federal law enforcement officers. [4:28] And obviously, we have now seen the deaths of two American citizens in Minnesota. [4:34] This is all unacceptable and preventable. [4:37] The safety of law enforcement and the communities they serve and protect must always come first. [4:43] When officials or elected leaders rush to conclusions about law enforcement or their fellow Americans, public trust suffers. [4:51] There must be complete and impartial investigation. [4:54] I expect each of our witnesses to keep this committee fully informed as the investigations run their course. [5:01] And I will ensure this happens. [5:04] While these investigations are ongoing, officials and elected leaders cannot rush to judgment. [5:09] I cannot put myself in the shoes of law enforcement, nor can I imagine what the families of Ms. Good and Mr. Preddy are enduring today. [5:16] Public trust and public safety go hand in hand. [5:19] We cannot have one without the other. [5:20] I am encouraged to see that President Trump sent Boarders R. Tom Homan and Commissioner Scott to Minnesota to work with Governor Walz, Mayor Frey, and other local leaders. [5:30] I sincerely hope this dialogue continues. [5:33] This should stand as an example of cooperation to anyone who continues to incentivize reckless behavior in our streets and lawfully impede law enforcement operations or disparage their fellow citizens. [5:45] State and local officials should be partners, not obstacles when it comes to public safety. [5:49] And federal officials should keep in mind that this kind of partnership is a two-way street. [5:55] Everyone should have the same goal of keeping America safe. [5:59] Transparency and communication are needed now more than ever. [6:02] The Department's no-fail mission hangs in the balance. [6:06] A rule-based order is not one-sided. [6:09] Enforcing immigration law and defending all Americans' constitutional rights, including the rights to peacefully protest, bear arms, and privacy, are not mutually exclusive. [6:18] I want to thank Secretary Noem for making these witnesses rapidly available. [6:24] And again, thank the three of you for being here today. [6:28] As Boarders R. Homan recently said, you can't fix problems if you don't have discussions. [6:33] I hope we can have a positive, civil, and productive discussion today. [6:37] Only together can we make our community stronger and the homeland safer for the future of all Americans. [6:42] I now recognize the ranking member, the gentleman from Mississippi, Mr. Thompson, for his opening statement. [6:49] Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. [6:51] Good morning to all of you who are here. [6:54] Thank you for calling this hearing today. [6:57] This important hearing has drawn a great deal of interest and attention. [7:01] And many of my colleagues who represent the border city of El Paso and who have been leader on border security, Veronica Escobar, has joined us today and would like to ask questions of our witnesses. [7:17] So, Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent that the gentlewoman from Texas, Ms. Escobar, be permitted to sit with the committee and question today's witnesses as we have afforded that to other individuals in past hearings. [7:35] Well, I thank the gentlewoman for their interest in today's important hearing. [7:38] As I previously informed, both the majority and minority committee will not be entertaining off-committee member requests. [7:44] Therefore, I object. [7:45] Well, your objection is noted, Mr. Chairman, but I would, for the record, want to say that it's highly unusual that a member of Congress sitting with as much impact on immigration as her area is not afforded that courtesy. [8:09] But you're the chairman, and that's your prerogative as if it would be anyone else's. [8:20] As the ranking member knows, we had many requests. [8:24] This is a very important hearing. [8:27] It is my duty to keep the wheels on this hearing and get actual answers on the record. [8:33] I thank the gentlelady's interest. [8:35] We had a lot of members who were interested in being here today, which is why we thought it would be best just to keep it for members of the committee. [8:46] These gentlemen have repeatedly testified before many committees at the Capitol, and I'm sure other members will get the opportunity to do the same questioning. [8:58] This is the Committee on Homeland Security. [9:00] We had previously said we would not waive on members specifically for this hearing, and we're going to stick by that rule today. [9:06] Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. [9:09] May I say to Ms. Escobar, if there are questions you would like to have asked of these witnesses, if you will provide those questions to me or any other member of the committee, we'll be more than happy to transmit them. [9:26] Thank you so much. [9:27] I hope my Republican colleagues will remember that our job is to conduct oversight, not cover for Donald Trump and his out-of-control administration, which is running roughshod over Americans' rights, killing U.S. citizens and threatening our very democracy. [9:51] The disease rotting the Trump administration from the inside out started at the top and has infected every part of the executive branch. [10:00] Nowhere is that more evident than at the Department of Homeland Security. [10:06] This hearing is just the start of a reckoning for the Trump administration and its weaponization of DHS against American citizens and the principle our country stands for. [10:19] DHS, led by Secretary Kristi Noem, must be held accountable for its lawlessness immigration operation. [10:27] They are reckless, creating chaos in our communities, terrorizing adults and children alike, and undermining our moral authority as a nation of liberty and rule of law. [10:40] Last month, an ICE agent shot and killed Renee Good, a Minneapolis mom, in cold blood, as she drove away from him. [10:50] After killing her, the agent called her a disgusting name. [10:55] I won't repeat here. [10:57] Other agents refused to allow a nearby physician to treat her. [11:03] Democrats called for accountability. [11:06] Instead, Secretary Noem blamed the victim, Ms. Good, and attempted to gaslight Americans with false claims that Ms. Good was a domestic terrorist. [11:19] Renee Good was nothing of the sort. [11:21] She was a mom, a wife, a neighbor, and an American citizen who did not deserve to die at the hands of her own government. [11:32] She should be alive today. [11:35] Ever since, the Trump administration has devoted the full resources of the federal government to blocking a legitimate investigation into Ms. Good's killing. [11:46] If that isn't a sign of guilt, I don't know what is. [11:49] Fellow prosecutors had a warrant to collect evidence from Ms. Good's vehicle for a civil rights investigation into ICE's use of force. [12:00] But FBI Director Cash for Tail and other Trump administration officials demanded they drop it. [12:08] Career prosecutors, duly bound to the rule of law, not the political prerogatives of the White House, resigned in protest. [12:16] Blocking an investigation into the government's use of force against one of its own citizens is a self-dictatorship, not democracy. [12:27] Every American should be outraged. [12:30] Democrats tried to get answers in the aftermath of Ms. Good's shooting. [12:35] We called on Acting Director Todd Lyons to testify at the committee's hearing three weeks ago. [12:43] Unfortunately, he turned down the committee's invitation. [12:49] This is part of a pattern of the Trump administration's refusal to comply with regular congressional oversight. [12:57] Committee Democrats have sent multiple letters to ICE and CBP on critical issues, [13:03] but most of them, 10, have gone unanswered, Mr. Chairman. [13:09] I ask unanimous consent to include all 10 of these records into the record, letters into the record. [13:18] Without objection. [13:19] ICE has blocked members of Congress from visiting its detention facilities, [13:25] even after reports of horrific conditions, detainee abuse, and a detainee being murdered in a DHS facility. [13:36] I was one of those individuals who parted to a lawsuit to try to get ICE to just follow the law that says members of Congress [13:45] can visit ICE facilities and present themselves at any time. [13:51] So I understand that it's still being litigated, but I've been given authority to go, [13:58] and I plan to do it this week just to test ICE's adherence to the law. [14:05] Mr. Lyons is here today, nearly a month after we invited him. [14:10] I guess DHS needed time to get his story straight before he came to testify under oath. [14:17] Fearing more violence from federal law enforcement, Democrats have also called on DHS to ring in immigration agents, [14:26] and their brutal attacks on Americans immediately following Ms. Good's murder. [14:31] But DHS ignored our pleas. [14:35] Instead, Greg Vino, who styled himself in Nazi attire and takes joy in deploying tear gas at Americans, [14:44] continued to roam around Minneapolis with his mass gang, terrorizing people, and violating their constitutional rights. [14:53] And tragically, our worst fears were realized. [14:58] Just days after the hearing, Mr. Lyons refused to participate in. [15:04] CBP personnel shot Alex Preeti, and he was face down on Minneapolis' sidewalk, killing him in broad daylight. [15:16] In the video of the incident, a DHS agent can be seen cheering Mr. Preeti's death. [15:23] Americans watched the video in horror. [15:28] Yet once again, Secretary Noem gaslit the public, made up a demonstrably false story about Mr. Preeti, [15:38] and blamed the victim for his own death. [15:41] Mr. Preeti was a law-abiding U.S. citizen and a VA nurse who dedicated his career to caring for our veterans. [15:49] Mr. Chairman, at our last month's hearing, I asked for a moment of silence in the memory of Renee Good. [15:59] Today, with great sadness about another American killed at the hands of DHS, [16:05] I asked that the committee observe a moment of silence in honor of Alex Preeti. [16:22] Thank you. [16:22] The slaying of Ms. Good and Mr. Preeti by DHS are the most tragic examples of what is wrong with Trump's DHS. [16:32] But far from the only one, last fall, a Border Patrol agent shot Miramar Martinez, a U.S. citizen, [16:40] and preschool teacher from Chicago five times. [16:44] The agent bragged in text messages about shooting her, saying, quote, [16:50] I fired five rounds and she had seven holes. [16:55] But that in your book, boys. [16:58] Again, the Trump administration tried to blame Ms. Martinez, the victim, [17:03] but prosecutors dropped charges against her when it became apparent [17:07] that the evidence contradicted the Border Patrol's phony account. [17:12] Unlike Ms. Good's and Mr. Preeti's, we can no longer tell their stories. [17:19] Ms. Martinez has shared her story about what Trump's DHS did to her. [17:25] I want to play a bit of the video here because people need to see what ICE and CBP are doing to America. [17:38] So this is the first one I realized. [17:40] I was like, oh, it's just a pepper palette. [17:43] But no, and then I got a shot right here. [17:47] And then I have a wound on the side of my chest right here. [17:53] And then I got two holes in my thigh. [18:00] Yeah. [18:01] Wow. [18:02] Okay. [18:03] Wow. [18:03] You're covered in wounds. [18:06] Wounds, yeah. [18:07] And I want people to see, like, what's going on, like, the type of stuff they're doing. [18:13] What happened to Ms. Martinez, Ms. Good, and Mr. Preeti is a scourge on this country [18:23] and shameful chapter in our nation's history. [18:27] But tragically, there's more. [18:30] DHS agents recently used a five-year-old Ecuadorian boy, Lehman Ramos, [18:37] as bait to lure his family members outside their home to arrest them. [18:42] The family had entered the country legally as asylum seekers [18:48] and were living in Minnesota while awaiting their immigration proceedings. [18:53] DHS sent the little boy and his father to detention in Texas for over a week. [18:59] Thankfully, a judge ordered him release, slamming DHS for its, and I quote, [19:05] incompetently implemented deportation campaign. [19:10] Incompetently implemented deportation campaign is putting it nicely, [19:17] especially as it relates to small children. [19:21] More apt in the Bible, quote, from John 11, chapter 35, [19:26] referenced at the end of the judge's opinion, Jesus wept. [19:32] DHS personnel are now forcing their way into private homes [19:36] without a judicial warrant in violation of the Fourth Amendment. [19:40] In one recent incident, ICE dragged a U.S. citizen from his home at gunpoint [19:47] in underwear before realizing they had picked up the wrong person. [19:54] The person ICE was actually looking for was sitting in jail in Minnesota. [20:01] The Minnesota Department of Corrections says that ICE had this information all along. [20:08] Bystander videos from Minneapolis and cities around the country [20:11] show ICE and CBP personnel behaving like unprofessional goons, [20:18] cursing at bystanders, and mooning people from their hotel room. [20:24] News reports have a Border Patrol agent was found passed out, [20:30] drunk, and covered in vomit in a vehicle. [20:33] And ICE personnel apparently stole a child's phone and sold it for cash. [20:38] It's an embarrassment, and DHS's so-called leadership should be ashamed. [20:44] If only they had any shame. [20:47] Secretary's known Department of Homeland Security [20:49] has the blood of American citizens on its hand, [20:54] but she takes no responsibility for anything. [20:59] To the contrary, Secretary Noem was last seen in this committee room [21:03] hiding behind her family in a desperate attempt to distract, [21:09] distract from her department's failures and abuses. [21:13] Then she ran from our questions, [21:15] leaving early under the guise of needing to attend a meeting [21:19] that it turns out didn't even exist. [21:23] Her inexcusable behavior should come as no surprise. [21:27] She's always been more concerned with photo ops and wardrobe changes [21:33] than following the law and fulfilling the mission of her department. [21:38] Since being sworn in, Secretary Noem has enriched herself, [21:42] abused the power of her office, [21:45] obstructed congressional oversight, [21:47] and violated her oath to the Constitution. [21:52] Donald Trump and Kristi Noem are doing real damage to this country [21:56] and to the department that was stood up 25 years ago [22:00] in the wake of 9-11 [22:02] to protect American citizens from future attacks. [22:06] Secretary Noem is a liar with no concern [22:10] for the lives of Americans killed by the department she runs. [22:15] She must go. [22:16] Mr. Chairman, I yield back. [22:20] I yield back. [22:21] Other members of the committee are reminded [22:23] that opening statements may be submitted for the record. [22:26] I would now like to formally introduce our witnesses. [22:29] First is Mr. Rodney Scott. [22:31] So Scott is Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. [22:34] After decades of service at CBP, [22:35] including a stint as Chief Border Patrol, [22:38] he has served as a Senate-confirmed Commissioner since June of 2025. [22:43] Second is Mr. Joseph Edlow. [22:44] Mr. Edlow is Director of Citizenship and Immigration Services. [22:48] Director Edlow has served in numerous legal roads [22:50] across the Executive Branch in Congress, [22:51] including Chief Counsel to USCIS. [22:54] Mr. Edlow has served as a Senate-confirmed Director [22:59] since July 2025. [23:01] Third is Mr. Todd Lyons. [23:03] Mr. Lyons is the Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. [23:06] Acting Director Lyons began his federal service [23:08] in the U.S. Air Force in 1993 [23:10] and joined ICE as an agent in 2007. [23:14] Mr. Lyons moved up the ranks [23:15] and has served as Acting Director since March of 2025. [23:18] Thank all the witnesses for being here today. [23:22] Pursuant two, Committee Rule 8C, [23:24] I ask that the witnesses please rise and raise their right hand. [23:31] Do you solemnly swear that the testimony you will give [23:33] before the Committee on Homeland Security [23:35] of the United States House of Representatives [23:36] will be the truth, the whole truth, [23:39] and nothing but the truth, so help you God. [23:42] Let the record reflect that the witnesses have answered [23:44] in the affirmative. [23:45] Thank you and please be seated. [23:48] I will now recognize Commissioner Scott for five minutes [23:51] to summarize his opening statement. [23:55] Chairman Garbarino, Ranking Member Thompson, [23:57] members of the Committee, [23:59] thank you for the opportunity to appear here before you today. [24:01] I'm honored to represent more than 67,000 dedicated men [24:05] and women of U.S. Customs and Border Protection [24:07] who are tirelessly protecting this great nation [24:10] every single day by simply trying to make sure [24:12] we know who and what is entering our homeland. [24:16] Border security is national security. [24:19] Law enforcement personnel that selflessly provide [24:21] this service to America increasingly perform [24:24] under difficult conditions and intense public [24:27] and political scrutiny. [24:28] But these brave men and women deserve our gratitude and thanks. [24:31] It's my privilege to be here today joining my colleagues [24:35] from Immigration and Customs Enforcement [24:37] and Citizenship and Immigration Services. [24:39] Our agencies work in partnership to secure the homeland [24:42] and uphold the integrity of our immigration system. [24:46] CBP has spent the last year rebuilding [24:48] what was an intentionally broken border. [24:51] As I informed Congress in 2021 and again in 2023, [24:55] the open border policies of the Biden administration [24:57] all but eliminated any meaningful border [25:00] along this, any meaningful border. [25:03] And it replaced it with a porous geographic line [25:05] defined by record high encounters with illegal aliens, [25:09] overwhelmed facilities, [25:10] and a workforce that was stretched so far [25:12] beyond their capabilities [25:14] that hostile nations and the cartels [25:16] exploited our border at will. [25:18] That all changed on January 20th, 2025 [25:22] under the leadership of President Trump. [25:24] We have now implemented effective policies, [25:27] established unified priorities and objectives [25:29] across all federal departments, [25:31] and empowered our workforce to do their jobs [25:33] by simply enforcing the laws that already exist. [25:37] We have imposed consequences [25:38] for those who break our laws, [25:40] the laws that this body enacted. [25:42] And today, the United States, [25:44] because of these efforts, [25:45] enjoys the most secure border in our nation's history. [25:48] But this progress did not happen by accident. [25:50] It's a result of a comprehensive approach [25:52] to border security. [25:53] We ended catch and release, [25:55] we prioritized detention and removal authorities, [25:57] and we sent a clear message [25:59] that illegal entry into the United States [26:01] will not be tolerated. [26:02] And the numbers speak for themselves. [26:05] We have achieved record low illegal crossings [26:07] between ports of entry. [26:09] Border patrol apprehensions along the southwest border [26:11] totaled over 90,000 for the entire year. [26:15] That's a number that used to represent [26:16] a single month under the Biden administration. [26:19] Daily encounters have dropped by 95%, [26:22] averaging about 250 per day. [26:24] Compared to 5,000 a day [26:26] during the Biden administration. [26:29] Our increased enforcement also resulted [26:31] in the seizure of over 617,000 pounds [26:34] of illicit narcotics. [26:36] That's nationwide, [26:37] an 8% increase over the prior year. [26:39] This included nearly 11,000 pounds of fentanyl [26:42] and more than 186,000 pounds of methamphetamines. [26:46] This is what having a secure border looks like. [26:49] None of this would have been possible, though, [26:51] without the vision and leadership of President Trump [26:53] and the historic investments made in border security. [26:56] The one big, beautiful bill, [26:58] a $65 billion investment, [27:00] is enabling CBP to modernize border infrastructure, [27:03] deploy additional advanced technology, [27:05] and to grow our workforce. [27:07] Since January 2025, [27:09] CBP is building smart wall at record levels. [27:11] We're installing high-tech attributes [27:13] where the Biden administration had shut it off. [27:15] We're installing water barriers [27:17] along the Rio Grande River, [27:19] which denies criminals access to these routes. [27:22] But that is not all. [27:24] We're investing in technology at our ports of entry, [27:26] non-intrusive inspection equipment, [27:28] biometrics, and advanced surveillance [27:29] to improve our ability [27:32] to know what's coming into this country, [27:33] the land, air, and sea, [27:35] at and between the ports of entry. [27:37] CBP's workforce is, without a doubt, [27:39] the greatest asset that we have. [27:41] The one big, beautiful bill [27:43] is investing historic amounts of money [27:45] in recruitment, hiring, and retention, [27:47] and training to ensure [27:48] that we have the most highly qualified [27:50] and capable law enforcement professionals [27:52] secure in our border. [27:54] Due to the collaboration [27:55] across all federal departments, [27:57] the resultant wrecked low encounters, [27:59] CBP has been able to surge resources [28:01] to support ICE's targeted enforcement operations [28:04] across the nation. [28:06] CBP has integrated with ICE [28:07] and other partners to identify [28:08] and remove dangerous criminals [28:10] and others who remain in the country illegally. [28:13] As recent events have demonstrated, though, [28:15] our officers and agents [28:16] are increasingly facing [28:17] an unprecedented level [28:18] of aggressive interference [28:20] and intimidation [28:21] when executing the laws [28:23] that you have asked them to enforce. [28:25] These attacks [28:26] on federal law enforcement personnel [28:27] are coordinated and well-funded. [28:29] This is not peaceful protest. [28:31] No law enforcement officer [28:33] should be put at personal risk [28:34] simply for doing the job [28:35] that we have asked them to do. [28:38] I thank you for your continued support [28:39] of CBP's mission, [28:40] and I look forward to answering [28:41] your questions today. [28:43] Thank you, Commissioner. [28:44] I now recognize Director Ed Lowe [28:46] for five minutes [28:47] to summarize his opening statement. [28:49] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [28:51] Chairman Garbarino, [28:52] Ranking Member Thompson, [28:54] and members of the committee, [28:55] it is an honor to speak to you [28:57] about the priorities and progress [28:58] of U.S. citizenship [28:59] and immigration services. [29:01] I'm grateful for your partnership [29:02] as we work together [29:04] to uphold the rule of law, [29:05] protect our citizens, [29:06] and safeguard our homeland. [29:09] Let me begin by expressing [29:10] my appreciation to President Trump [29:12] for his trust in me [29:13] and to Secretary Nome [29:14] for her leadership [29:15] at the Department of Homeland Security. [29:17] I'm proud to serve [29:18] alongside a workforce [29:19] that's deeply committed [29:20] to advancing the president's agenda, [29:22] protecting our communities, [29:23] and restoring integrity [29:25] to America's legal immigration system. [29:28] As Director of U.S. Citizenship [29:29] and Immigration Services, [29:31] my vision has been straightforward [29:32] and clear. [29:33] Restore accountability [29:34] to our immigration system [29:35] and ensure that it serves [29:37] the interests of the American people [29:38] first and foremost. [29:40] Today, I want to highlight [29:41] some of our most significant accomplishments, [29:44] ending the exploitation [29:45] of immigration programs, [29:46] putting American workers first, [29:48] protecting our communities [29:49] from public safety threats, [29:51] protecting national security, [29:53] and combating immigration fraud. [29:56] Fraud isn't just a paperwork issue. [29:58] It's a national security [30:00] and public safety concern. [30:02] Often, those who wish to do us harm [30:03] exploit weaknesses in our system. [30:06] Over the past year, [30:07] USCIS has made nearly 33,000 [30:10] fraud referrals to law enforcement, [30:11] a 138% increase [30:14] over previous years. [30:16] We conducted thousands [30:17] of site visits [30:18] to homes and workplaces [30:19] and thousands of social media checks [30:21] to ensure aliens aren't espousing [30:23] anti-American sentiment. [30:25] Moreover, [30:26] our fraud detection [30:27] and national security team [30:28] completed over 21,000 investigations [30:31] identifying fraud [30:33] in approximately 65% [30:34] of those cases. [30:36] In Operation Twin Shield [30:38] in Minneapolis-St. Paul [30:39] back in the fall, [30:40] we uncovered marriage fraud, [30:41] visa misuse, [30:43] and student visa abuses, [30:44] leading to denials [30:45] of immigration benefits, [30:47] arrests, [30:48] and removal proceedings. [30:49] This work led to Operation Paris, [30:51] where we continue re-examining [30:53] thousands of refugee cases [30:55] in Minnesota, [30:56] conducting thorough background checks [30:58] and in-person reviews. [31:00] We've also strengthened [31:01] our vetting policies. [31:02] If someone falsely claims [31:04] U.S. citizenship [31:05] to get a public benefit [31:06] or try to vote, [31:08] we hold them accountable [31:09] through denial of citizenship [31:10] or loss of immigration status. [31:12] We've tightened screening [31:13] to determine whether [31:14] claimed marriages [31:15] and family relationships [31:16] are legitimate. [31:17] And we've changed regulations [31:19] to employ authorization, [31:20] excuse me, [31:21] to employment authorization [31:22] is no longer [31:23] automatically extended. [31:25] Now we require [31:26] more frequent renewals [31:28] so that we can vet aliens [31:29] more frequently [31:30] and ensure that they deserve [31:32] to remain in the country. [31:34] Additionally, [31:34] we've taken action [31:35] to end the exploitation [31:36] of immigration programs. [31:38] Mass humanitarian parole programs [31:40] were being abused [31:41] by the prior administration. [31:43] So we've restored them [31:44] to Congress's original intent, [31:46] allowing those benefits [31:47] on a case-by-case basis. [31:49] Secretary Noem [31:50] also ended decades [31:52] of temporary protected status [31:53] for several countries, [31:54] returning the program [31:55] to what Congress intended, [31:57] temporary protection, [31:58] not permanent status [32:00] in the United States. [32:02] Moreover, [32:03] this administration [32:03] is doing more [32:04] to ensure the integrity [32:05] of our elections. [32:07] We enhanced the SAVE program [32:08] so states can verify citizenship [32:10] of those on their voter rolls [32:12] more effectively. [32:13] Since January 2025, [32:15] we've processed [32:16] over 58 million queries [32:17] and 27 states [32:19] are participating. [32:20] Additionally, [32:21] federal agencies [32:21] ran nearly 206 million [32:24] SAVE queries last year [32:25] to identify fraud [32:27] and preserve [32:27] public assistance benefits [32:29] for lawful U.S. residents [32:30] and citizens. [32:32] We're also putting [32:33] American taxpayers [32:34] and communities [32:35] and workers [32:36] first. [32:37] We affirmed that aliens [32:38] should be self-reliant, [32:39] not dependent [32:40] on public assistance, [32:41] and that their sponsors [32:42] are liable for the cost [32:44] of public benefits [32:45] that they access. [32:47] The Department of Homeland Security [32:48] is also working [32:49] to rescind the 2022 [32:50] public charge rule, [32:52] restoring our discretion [32:53] to determine [32:54] if an alien will rely [32:55] on government assistance. [32:57] We've proposed [32:58] protecting American jobs [32:59] by prioritizing H-1B visas [33:01] for higher-skilled, [33:02] higher-paid workers [33:03] so that companies [33:05] can't use those visas [33:06] merely as a way [33:07] to get cheaper, [33:09] non-citizen labor. [33:11] We've also streamlined [33:12] agricultural visa processing [33:13] to better support [33:14] American farmers. [33:16] A major milestone [33:17] was implementing [33:18] the One Big Beautiful Bill, [33:20] which added new fees [33:21] for certain immigration processes. [33:23] USCIS collects those fees, [33:25] but only retains [33:25] a small amount of the money, [33:27] while the rest goes [33:28] to other agencies [33:29] and deficit reduction. [33:31] Finally, [33:32] protecting the American people [33:33] is at the heart [33:33] of everything we do. [33:35] After the attack [33:35] on two brave service members [33:37] of the National Guard [33:38] last November, [33:39] Secretary Noem directed us [33:40] to review immigration benefits [33:41] for aliens [33:42] from high-risk countries. [33:45] In closing, [33:46] U.S. citizenship [33:47] and immigration services [33:48] is restoring integrity, [33:51] accountability, [33:52] and security [33:52] to America's [33:53] legal immigration system. [33:55] These accomplishments [33:56] reflect the dedication [33:57] of our workforce [33:57] and the transformative leadership [33:59] of President Trump [34:00] and Secretary Noem, [34:01] both of whom [34:02] have allowed USCIS [34:04] to do the job [34:04] it was created [34:05] by Congress to do. [34:07] We stand ready [34:07] to continue working [34:08] with Congress [34:09] to protect the homeland [34:10] and uphold the rule of law. [34:11] Thank you, [34:12] and I look forward [34:12] to your questions. [34:13] Thank you, Director Edlow. [34:15] I now recognize [34:15] Acting Director Lyons [34:17] for five minutes [34:18] to summarize [34:18] his opening statement. [34:20] Good morning. [34:21] Chairman Gavarino, [34:22] Ranked Member Thompson, [34:24] distinguished members [34:24] of the committee, [34:25] thank you for the invitation [34:26] to discuss the critical work [34:28] U.S. Immigration and Customs [34:30] is doing every day [34:30] to carry out [34:31] President Trump's agenda [34:32] to keep America safe, [34:34] restore order [34:35] to our communities, [34:36] and return the rule of law [34:39] to this country. [34:40] Under the leadership [34:41] of President Trump [34:42] and DHS Secretary [34:43] Kristi Noem, [34:44] the men and women of ICE [34:45] have been empowered [34:46] to do exactly [34:46] what they're trying to do, [34:48] arrest and remove [34:49] illegal aliens and criminals [34:50] from our communities. [34:51] We are enhancing [34:52] public safety, [34:53] securing our national security, [34:55] and finally, [34:56] restoring integrity [34:57] to the immigration system [34:58] that had been allowed [34:59] to collapse. [35:00] We have supercharged [35:01] our partnerships [35:02] with state [35:02] and local law enforcement, [35:04] empowering officers [35:05] around the country [35:05] through the 287G program [35:07] to help ICE identify [35:09] and remove criminal aliens. [35:11] Those partnerships [35:12] have increased [35:12] more than 900% [35:13] since President Trump [35:14] took office, [35:15] and our communities [35:16] are safer for it. [35:18] I am also proud [35:18] of our agency's [35:19] unprecedented hiring campaign [35:20] that led to hiring [35:21] of more than 12,000 officers [35:23] and special agents [35:23] in less than a year, [35:25] and more than 222,000 [35:27] individuals submitted applications. [35:29] This expansion [35:31] of a well-trained [35:32] and well-vetted workforce [35:33] will help further ICE's [35:34] abilities to execute [35:35] President's and Secretary's [35:37] bold agenda. [35:39] Before discussing [35:40] our broader operations, [35:42] I must address [35:43] the situation in Minnesota [35:44] and the dangers [35:45] that ICE agents [35:46] and officers face nationwide. [35:49] While the investigations [35:49] remain ongoing, [35:50] I'm encouraged [35:51] that some Minnesota officials [35:52] are finally signaling [35:53] the willingness [35:54] to cooperate with ICE. [35:56] But let me be clear, [35:57] promises are not enough. [35:58] We need action. [36:00] In the wake [36:00] of the unprecedented border crisis [36:02] of the previous administration, [36:04] ICE has stepped [36:04] into the breach [36:05] to enforce the law. [36:07] This commitment has a cost. [36:09] We are facing [36:09] the deadliest operating environment [36:11] in our agency's history. [36:14] In fiscal year 2025, [36:15] death threats [36:16] against ICE personnel [36:17] increased more than 8,000%. [36:18] Assaults on officers [36:20] have skyrocketed [36:20] over 1,400%. [36:22] One officer in Minnesota [36:23] had his finger bitten off [36:24] by a protester, [36:25] egged on by elected officials [36:27] characterizing our offices [36:29] as Gestapo [36:30] or secret police. [36:32] The families of ICE personnel [36:34] have been made [36:34] to feel unsafe [36:35] in their homes. [36:36] I know this firsthand, [36:38] because my own family [36:39] was targeted. [36:41] But let me send a message [36:42] to anyone who thinks [36:43] they can intimidate us. [36:44] You won't fail. [36:46] Despite these perils, [36:47] our officers continue [36:48] to execute their mission [36:49] with unwavering resolve. [36:51] And we are only getting started. [36:53] ICE remains committed [36:54] to the fundamental principles [36:55] that those who illegally [36:56] enter our country [36:57] must be held accountable. [36:59] Since the beginning [36:59] of the second Trump administration, [37:01] we have achieved [37:01] historic results. [37:03] From January 20, 2025 [37:05] through January 20, 2026, [37:07] ICE has conducted [37:08] nearly 379,000 arrests. [37:11] Among those arrests [37:12] were more than 7,000 [37:14] suspected gang members [37:15] and over 1,400 [37:17] known as suspected terrorists. [37:19] The president tasked us [37:20] with mass deportation, [37:21] and we are fulfilling [37:22] that mandate. [37:23] Thanks to the resources [37:24] provided by this Congress, [37:25] we are ramping up [37:26] detention capacities [37:27] and removal flights daily. [37:29] In the last year alone, [37:30] we conducted over [37:31] 475,000 removals. [37:34] It's a brutal reality [37:35] that criminal immigration [37:36] today is organized [37:37] by sophisticated, [37:38] ruthless, [37:39] transnational [37:40] criminal organizations. [37:41] These include cartels [37:43] and transnational gangs [37:44] President Trump [37:45] has rightly designated [37:47] at foreign terrorist organizations. [37:50] The only way [37:50] to defeat them [37:51] is to destroy their revenue. [37:53] Within Homeland Security [37:54] investigations, [37:54] our special agents [37:55] are delivering critical outcomes [37:57] in the fight [37:57] against transnational crime. [37:59] We are seizing fentanyl [38:00] before it kills our children [38:01] and dismantling the networks [38:03] that poison our communities. [38:05] In FY25 alone, [38:06] we seized more than [38:07] 2.5 million pounds [38:09] of narcotics, [38:09] a 50% increase [38:11] from the previous year [38:12] and a critical blow [38:13] to transnational [38:14] organization groups everywhere. [38:16] HSI criminal arrests [38:17] are at the highest point [38:18] in history. [38:19] However, our approach [38:20] is just not about enforcement. [38:22] It is about restoring [38:22] order and dignity [38:23] to the human beings [38:24] sold alive by smugglers [38:26] and exploited by these TCOs. [38:29] In August 2024, [38:31] the DHS officer [38:32] inspector general [38:33] released a report [38:33] that concluded [38:34] that more than 291,000 [38:37] unaccompanied alien children [38:38] out of nearly 450,000 [38:42] transferred from DHS [38:43] to HHS custody [38:44] were simply lost [38:45] by the system. [38:46] We are talking about [38:47] children exploited [38:48] in factories, [38:50] abused in sexual trades, [38:52] and living as indentured servants [38:54] on American solar. [38:56] HSI is leading the charge [38:57] to find them. [38:58] We have conducted [38:58] more than 71,000 [38:59] field engagements [39:00] to locate children, [39:02] verify sponsor legitimacy, [39:04] and uncover criminal activity [39:05] related to exploitation. [39:07] Since February 2025, [39:09] ICE has arrested [39:10] more than 500 criminal sponsors [39:11] of these offenses, [39:12] including sexual exploitation [39:14] and forced labor, [39:15] dismantled more than [39:16] 2,400 human smuggling operations, [39:20] and along with our federal partners, [39:21] located more than [39:22] 145,000 children. [39:26] To further ensure [39:26] TCOs can never [39:27] threat our nation again, [39:28] President Trump dedicated [39:29] the establishment [39:31] of the Homeland Security Task Force. [39:33] The Homeland Security Task Force [39:34] represents the most aggressive [39:36] and coordinated attack [39:37] on TCOs in history. [39:39] Through cross-border [39:40] Financial Crime Center, [39:42] we have developed [39:42] and inflated a strategy [39:44] to combat rampant fraud, [39:46] including government programs [39:47] in Minnesota [39:47] and across the country. [39:49] Using this strategy, [39:50] HSI has opened [39:50] numerous criminal investigations [39:52] into the complex fraud systems [39:54] that have resulted [39:55] in the thefts of billions. [39:58] Much of the fight ICE faces [39:59] continue to be fueled [40:02] by so-called sanctuary cities. [40:04] These jurisdictions [40:05] provided a shield [40:07] for criminal aliens [40:08] when a local jail [40:09] refuses to honor ICE detainer [40:11] and releases that predator [40:12] back into the community. [40:15] ICE exists to enforce [40:16] America's long-standing [40:18] immigration and custom laws. [40:20] These laws are grounded [40:21] in common sense, [40:22] national sovereignty, [40:23] and simple morality. [40:25] Our office as an agent [40:26] enforce these [40:27] without hesitation, [40:28] without apology. [40:29] I ask that all the members [40:30] of the community [40:31] treat them with profound respect [40:32] that they have earned. [40:33] Thank you. [40:34] Thank you, Acting Director Lyons. [40:38] Members will be recognized [40:39] by order of seniority [40:40] for their five minutes [40:41] of questioning. [40:42] As we have when [40:43] Secretary Noem was here, [40:45] we're going to limit it [40:46] to the five-minute rule. [40:48] We may be strict on that [40:49] for both sides. [40:50] So do not be surprised [40:51] if you go over, [40:52] I gavel you down. [40:54] I now recognize myself [40:55] for five minutes of questions. [40:59] Acting Director Lyons, [41:00] I understand that you cannot [41:01] discuss the details [41:02] of the two recent shootings [41:03] in Minnesota [41:04] because they are subject [41:05] of several investigations, [41:07] including by the FBI, [41:08] the Department of Homeland Security, [41:10] and the DOJ Civil Rights Division. [41:13] Once concluded, [41:14] will you commit to providing [41:15] the reports and findings [41:16] of each investigation [41:17] to this committee? [41:20] Yes, Mr. Chairman, [41:21] we're fully committed [41:22] to give you the full [41:22] and unabridged investigation [41:24] and the outcome. [41:25] Thank you. [41:25] Commissioner Scott, [41:26] can the committee [41:27] have the same commitment [41:27] from you? [41:28] Yes, sir. [41:29] Thank you both. [41:32] Commissioner Scott [41:33] and Acting Director Lyons, [41:34] following this hearing [41:35] and writing, [41:35] I'd like to know [41:36] what is the standard [41:37] operating procedure [41:38] for each of your agencies [41:39] for an investigation [41:40] when deadly force is used? [41:43] Currently, Acting Director Lyons, [41:46] are those procedures [41:47] being followed [41:48] for the two uses [41:49] of deadly force [41:50] in Minneapolis [41:51] this past January? [41:53] Yes, Mr. Chairman. [41:56] And Mr. Commissioner Scott? [41:58] Yes, sir, they are. [42:00] Were the standard procedures [42:01] followed from the beginning? [42:02] Mr. Lyons? [42:03] Yes, sir, they were. [42:05] Mr. Scott? [42:05] Yes, for CBP, [42:06] they were as well. [42:08] Thank you very much. [42:08] We're obviously concerned [42:11] about officer safety [42:13] and have seen [42:14] and heard about [42:15] increasing threats [42:16] and assaults [42:17] against law enforcement. [42:18] Director Lyons, [42:21] are your officers trained [42:22] regarding the difference [42:23] between a protected protest [42:25] and what is unlawfully [42:27] impeding law enforcement? [42:30] Yes, sir. [42:30] Deportation officers [42:31] and special agents [42:32] are taught [42:32] at the Federal [42:33] Law Enforcement Training Center. [42:34] They are taught [42:36] in defensive tactics, [42:37] personal safety, [42:38] but as well as laws [42:41] to include [42:41] 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, [42:43] 10th, 14th Amendment. [42:44] The officers are trained [42:45] before they go out [42:46] into the field [42:47] and then while they're [42:48] in the field. [42:49] They are specialized training [42:50] with disturbance control [42:51] and other special tactics. [42:53] Commissioner Scott, [42:54] are your officers [42:54] similarly trained? [42:55] Yes, they are. [42:57] FLETC, [42:57] ongoing training [42:58] in the field [42:59] and then anytime [42:59] we're deploying them [43:00] to the interior, [43:01] they get updated [43:02] law refresher training [43:04] to include [43:05] First Amendment. [43:05] and Fourth Amendment. [43:07] So I want to focus [43:08] on the training here [43:09] because with the historic [43:11] investment in both ICE [43:13] and CBP, [43:14] there was a surge [43:15] in hiring. [43:17] I need to know, [43:17] for these new hires, [43:19] is the training [43:19] different than what [43:21] other agents [43:22] and officers received [43:24] before the hiring surge? [43:26] Mr. Lyons, [43:27] I'll let you start there. [43:29] No, sir, it's not. [43:30] The training was never, [43:31] the meat of the training [43:32] was never removed. [43:33] The timeline was. [43:35] We took training [43:36] from five days a week, [43:37] eight hours a day [43:38] to six days a week, [43:39] 12 hours a day. [43:40] In addition to that, [43:42] training is different [43:43] in the fact [43:44] that before officers [43:45] even go to the [43:45] Federal Law Enforcement [43:46] Training Academy, [43:47] there's pre-employment [43:48] training, [43:48] which we never had before. [43:50] And on top of that, [43:51] we've adapted [43:51] our on-the-job training [43:52] program, [43:53] which is much like [43:53] a city or state [43:54] field training officer [43:56] program that once [43:57] they are removed [43:59] from the Federal [44:00] Law Enforcement [44:00] Training Academy, [44:01] have graduated, [44:02] before they return [44:03] to their field offices, [44:04] they're assigned [44:04] a field training officer [44:05] and that's continued [44:06] on after that. [44:07] So let me get [44:08] to this. [44:09] For ICE officers, [44:11] the curriculum [44:11] has stayed the same, [44:13] but it's now [44:14] a quicker training. [44:15] The timeline [44:15] has moved up? [44:16] That's correct, sir. [44:17] Okay, but the curriculum [44:18] is the same? [44:19] Yes, sir. [44:20] All right. [44:21] Commissioner Scott, [44:22] can you talk about [44:23] if there's been [44:24] a change in training [44:25] since the hiring surge? [44:27] There's been no change [44:28] in the training [44:29] within Customs [44:30] and Border Protection. [44:31] Border Patrol agents [44:32] go through [44:32] a 117-day academy. [44:34] The CVP officers [44:35] go through [44:35] a 103-day academy. [44:36] That's actually [44:37] training days. [44:38] There's been no changes [44:39] to that. [44:39] The only change [44:40] that has been made [44:41] is in our quarterly training. [44:43] We've added scenarios [44:44] based on what we most [44:45] likely think [44:46] they will encounter [44:47] in the field. [44:48] So we've encountered [44:49] some of, [44:49] we've actually added [44:50] some of the protest [44:51] type encounters as well. [44:53] So there's been [44:54] no change in the timeline [44:56] either? [44:56] It's similar. [44:56] ICE did that. [44:57] You did not? [44:58] No, we did not. [44:59] Okay. [45:02] And while, [45:02] this is another thing, [45:03] well, [45:03] because this is my [45:04] last question, [45:04] I'm sure. [45:05] While understanding [45:05] they are not suitable [45:06] for every occasion, [45:08] there's been a lot [45:09] of talk about [45:10] the use of deadly force. [45:13] Are agents [45:14] and officers [45:14] equipped with [45:15] and trained [45:16] in the use of tasers [45:17] or other less [45:18] lethal alternatives [45:19] to avoid the use [45:21] of deadly force? [45:22] And Mr. Director Lyons, [45:24] I'll start with you [45:24] and then Mr. Scott, [45:25] you can finish. [45:26] Yes, sir. [45:26] Every deportation officer [45:27] special agent [45:28] are trained in secondary weapons [45:31] which include the taser, [45:32] OC spray, [45:33] and baton. [45:34] And those are made available. [45:36] And they're equipped. [45:36] Yes, sir. [45:37] Mr. Scott? [45:39] It's a similar answer [45:40] that all of our agents [45:41] have to carry a secondary weapon. [45:42] They train at the academy [45:43] and then they go through [45:44] quarterly refresher training [45:46] every three months. [45:48] Okay. [45:49] I appreciate it. [45:49] I will have, [45:50] I'm sure, [45:50] for some follow-up questions today [45:52] and I will submit those [45:54] to you in writing. [45:56] But with that, [45:57] I yield back [45:58] and I now recognize [45:59] the ranking member [45:59] for five minutes of questions. [46:00] Thank you very much, [46:02] Mr. Chairman. [46:03] Mr. Lyons, [46:04] how many ICE agents [46:06] have cameras [46:07] as of today? [46:10] Sir, [46:10] as of today, [46:11] more than 3,000 ICE officers [46:13] have cameras [46:13] that are active in the field [46:14] with another 6,000 [46:16] being deployed, sir. [46:16] So how many in the field? [46:21] How many ICE agents [46:22] are in the field [46:23] as of today? [46:24] Oh, I'm sorry, sir. [46:25] Agents in the field today? [46:27] You said agents [46:28] in the field. [46:29] I'm just trying [46:29] to get the number [46:30] ICE agents [46:32] who have cameras [46:34] on their body [46:35] as of today? [46:36] Approximately 3,000, sir. [46:38] 3,000 out of how many? [46:40] Out of 13, [46:42] approximately 13,000, sir, [46:44] that are in the field. [46:45] So you have 3,000 [46:46] out of 13,000 [46:47] who have cameras? [46:48] Yes, sir. [46:49] Mr. Scott? [46:51] I don't have the actual number [46:52] in front of me right now. [46:53] It's about 10,000. [46:54] We're building that program [46:55] out as we speak. [46:58] 10,000 out of how many? [47:00] Out of about 67,000. [47:03] But the coach there, [47:03] the ports of entry, [47:05] we have significant video. [47:06] I don't want to go [47:07] to ports of entry. [47:08] I just want to know [47:09] how many cameras [47:10] right now [47:12] do you have [47:13] on your agents? [47:15] When you say agents, [47:17] Border Patrol agents, [47:17] there's about 10,000. [47:20] 10,000 out of how many? [47:23] Out of 20,000 [47:24] Border Patrol agents. [47:25] So half of them? [47:27] Approximately, yes. [47:28] So I'll give you a chance [47:29] to look at that [47:30] since you said approximately [47:31] and get back to the committee [47:33] on what's the accurate number. [47:35] Not how many [47:36] you're purchasing, [47:36] how many as of this day? [47:39] Understood. [47:39] And I will get you that number. [47:40] Thank you. [47:42] Mr. Lyons, [47:45] what's the regular timetable [47:47] of training [47:48] an ICE agent? [47:54] Sorry about that, sir. [47:55] Right now, [47:56] the training is approximately [47:57] 47 days [47:58] at the Federal Law [47:59] Enforcement Academy. [48:00] Overall training [48:01] is about three months, sir. [48:03] So you went [48:04] from three months [48:05] to 47 days? [48:07] No, no, sir. [48:07] The whole total training [48:08] to include [48:09] the pre-employment training [48:11] and then the OJT program [48:12] is three months [48:13] and 47 days [48:14] in the law enforcement, [48:16] Federal Law Enforcement [48:16] Training Academy. [48:18] So they go to Flexi [48:20] for 47 days [48:21] or for three months? [48:24] No, sir. [48:24] You asked for the [48:25] total training time. [48:26] The total training time [48:26] now is a combined [48:27] three months, sir, [48:28] with 47 days [48:29] at the Federal Law [48:30] Enforcement Training Academy. [48:31] So you didn't [48:32] reduce the timeline [48:34] for any of the ICE agents [48:36] to come on board? [48:38] We reduced the timeline [48:39] for the previous [48:40] certified Federal Law [48:42] Enforcement officers [48:42] or special agents [48:44] where we went to [48:45] the ones who are [48:46] already trained [48:47] in firearms [48:49] and defensive tactics [48:50] and criminal procedure. [48:52] We adapted [48:53] to a shorter program [48:54] so they would just have [48:56] extensive Immigration [48:58] Nationality Act training, [48:59] immigration law, [49:00] and ICE-specific training. [49:01] So if you hired [49:03] somebody for ICE today, [49:06] how much training [49:07] would they receive [49:07] before they become [49:08] a full-time agent? [49:10] So for a person [49:12] off the street [49:13] who has never been [49:14] a law enforcement officer, [49:15] they're looking at [49:15] approximately three months [49:16] of training, sir. [49:18] And the 47 days [49:20] is for who? [49:21] That is for everyone [49:22] that has it [49:23] who's never worked [49:24] for ICE, sir. [49:25] So you could have [49:26] someone that's [49:27] a Capitol Police officer. [49:29] They would not have [49:30] to go through [49:30] extended training [49:32] for when it comes [49:33] to defensive tactics, [49:35] firearms, et cetera. [49:36] They would have [49:36] to go through [49:37] the rigorous [49:37] immigration training, [49:39] which, unfortunately, [49:40] immigration law [49:41] is just as confusing [49:42] and long as tax code, [49:43] which we have to ensure [49:44] that we devote [49:45] that extensive time to. [49:46] Thank you so much. [49:47] But would you provide [49:49] the committee [49:50] with the timeline? [49:52] Yes, sir. [49:54] We will provide you. [49:56] Some of us understand [49:57] it's 47 days. [49:58] Yes, sir. [49:59] We will provide you. [49:59] You're telling us [50:00] it's three months. [50:01] From the beginning, sir, [50:03] when they go ahead [50:03] and come on [50:04] pre-employment training [50:05] to the OJT program afterwards. [50:07] But we will provide [50:08] the committee [50:08] with a full breakdown. [50:10] For Mr. Lyons [50:11] and Mr. Scott, [50:13] over the past several weeks, [50:15] the president [50:15] has made a series [50:16] of comments [50:17] regarding the midterm election. [50:20] The president [50:21] has urged [50:22] my Republican colleagues [50:24] in Congress [50:25] to nationalize elections. [50:28] Now, are you involved [50:30] in any planning [50:31] on guarding precincts [50:34] in this country [50:35] as of today? [50:38] Mr. Scott? [50:39] No, sir. [50:40] Mr. Lyons? [50:41] No, sir. [50:42] So there's no information? [50:44] You've not been asked [50:45] to start deploying people [50:47] for areas anywhere? [50:49] No, sir. [50:51] Well, thank you very much. [50:53] Mr. Lyons, [50:55] I'll get it right, [50:57] Mr. Chairman. [50:58] I'm going to follow [50:58] your directions on that. [51:03] The gentleman yields back. [51:04] Thank you, [51:05] a ranking member. [51:06] I now recognize [51:07] the gentleman from Texas, [51:09] Mr. McCall, [51:10] for five minutes of questions. [51:12] Thank you, [51:12] Mr. Chairman. [51:14] You know, [51:14] a decade ago [51:14] when I chaired this committee, [51:16] Mr. Thompson [51:16] and I passed a bill [51:19] to authorize ICE [51:21] into law. [51:22] It was a bipartisan effort. [51:24] It passed the House [51:26] overwhelmingly, [51:28] both Republican [51:28] and Democrat. [51:31] A decade later, [51:32] here we are. [51:34] The Don's have called [51:35] to abolish ICE. [51:37] Now they're trying [51:37] to shut it down. [51:38] So what has happened [51:40] in that 10 years? [51:43] Let's go back [51:44] to the last [51:44] four to five years, [51:47] what happened [51:48] in this country [51:49] and at the border. [51:51] As someone [51:53] who lives [51:54] in the border [51:54] state of Texas, [51:56] we saw [51:56] the most dangerous, [51:58] wide-open border [51:59] that I've seen [52:00] in my 22 years [52:01] in Congress. [52:03] 10 to 12 million people, [52:04] and that's what [52:05] we know about. [52:05] I think it's far greater, [52:07] came into this country. [52:08] Many of them [52:09] dangerous, [52:10] violent criminals, [52:12] some known [52:13] or suspected terrorists, [52:16] which I find [52:17] extremely dangerous. [52:19] That's why I served [52:19] as an impeachment [52:20] manager for Mayorkas, [52:22] because he violated [52:25] federal law. [52:26] The federal statute [52:26] says, [52:28] as a former [52:28] federal prosecutor, [52:29] I know this, [52:30] shall detain [52:31] aggravated felons. [52:33] What did Mayorkas do? [52:34] He told his agents, [52:35] that's discretionary. [52:36] You can release them. [52:39] As a result, [52:41] we had tens of thousands [52:43] of aggravated felons [52:46] left on the streets [52:48] of America [52:49] to roam freely, [52:51] not to mention [52:53] the human and sex [52:54] trafficking of children, [52:56] Mr. Lyons, [52:57] as you pointed out. [52:57] So what is the administration [52:59] trying to do? [53:00] They're trying to remove [53:01] a public safety threat [53:03] from the United States [53:03] of America. [53:04] That is their job. [53:06] Restoring public safety [53:08] should be the number [53:09] one priority. [53:10] And one of the problems [53:11] here, as I examine it, [53:13] is that Minnesota, [53:15] Minneapolis in particular, [53:16] is a sanctuary city. [53:18] What does that mean? [53:18] That means that it's [53:20] a magnet for illegal. [53:21] They're protected [53:22] under the current situation [53:24] because state and locals [53:25] will not cooperate [53:26] with federal law enforcement. [53:28] In fact, Mr. Lyons, [53:30] is it not true [53:31] that they were not [53:32] honoring ICE detainers [53:34] that were put on [53:35] dangerous felons [53:36] in prison [53:38] so that you could [53:38] remove them [53:39] from the United States? [53:42] That is correct, sir. [53:42] The detainers were not [53:44] honored at the local level [53:45] in Minneapolis. [53:47] This is a number [53:47] one violation. [53:49] In addition, [53:50] the rhetoric on the left [53:51] led to over [53:52] a thousand percent [53:54] increase in assaults [53:55] on ICE officers, [53:57] an increase of [53:58] over 8,000 [54:00] death threats to them. [54:04] All this created [54:05] a perfect storm [54:06] for our officers [54:08] being thrown [54:08] into this situation. [54:10] And then Agent Bovino [54:12] came into the picture [54:13] and I would argue [54:14] in fairness [54:15] that he escalated [54:17] the situation [54:18] by the way [54:20] that was handled. [54:23] Your officers [54:23] are not trained [54:24] to effectuate [54:25] crowd control. [54:27] They are trained [54:28] to move in [54:29] surgically, [54:31] go in and remove [54:31] these dangerous [54:32] violent criminals [54:33] from the United States [54:34] of America. [54:36] I've called [54:37] for de-escalation [54:38] after the two deaths, [54:40] the two shootings [54:40] that took place. [54:42] I believe [54:43] that these roving patrols [54:45] should be done [54:45] at the border [54:46] rather than [54:46] in the major cities [54:48] of the United States. [54:50] So when the president [54:51] decided to remove [54:53] Agent Bovino [54:55] and put in Tom Homan, [54:57] who I've known [54:58] for years, [54:59] a consummate professional, [55:01] law enforcement professional, [55:03] I commended [55:04] the president. [55:05] And what has been done [55:07] since Mr. Homan [55:08] came into the job? [55:09] We now have targeted [55:11] law enforcement operations. [55:13] He is returning [55:14] to the original mission [55:16] of ICE. [55:17] He is working [55:19] with state locals [55:20] to do the crowd control. [55:22] He is getting them [55:23] to honor [55:23] the ICE detainers. [55:27] He is also getting [55:28] the body cameras [55:29] put on them. [55:31] And the roving patrols, [55:33] in his words to me, [55:34] should be done [55:35] at the border, [55:35] not in major cities. [55:37] My question to you, [55:38] Mr. Reliance, [55:38] is Mr. Homan now, [55:40] are his operations [55:41] in Minneapolis [55:43] now bringing [55:43] the situation [55:44] under control? [55:48] Sir, we've seen [55:48] a de-escalation [55:50] in the fact [55:51] that the protests, [55:53] while they still go on, [55:54] have subsided [55:55] and ICE has been [55:55] allowed to do [55:56] their targeted, [55:57] intelligence-driven [55:58] enforcement operation. [55:59] Just the other night, [56:00] local authorities [56:01] arrested 54 protesters [56:03] at the local level [56:05] where ICE officers [56:06] did not have to be [56:06] engaged in that. [56:08] My final question to you, [56:09] do you believe [56:09] the model that Mr. Homan [56:10] is now sitting [56:11] in Minneapolis [56:12] should be a model [56:13] for the nation? [56:14] Gentleman's time [56:15] has expired. [56:15] I understand that, [56:17] but I'm holding it [56:18] to five minutes. [56:18] I'd like it on the record [56:19] an answer, [56:19] Mr. Chairman. [56:20] Do you agree [56:20] that Mr. Homan's model [56:22] is one for the nation? [56:23] Gentleman's time [56:24] has expired. [56:25] Yes or no? [56:25] I now recognize [56:26] the gentleman [56:27] from California, [56:28] Mr. Swalwell, [56:29] for five minutes. [56:29] A couple nights ago [56:31] I met with a woman [56:33] who works as a cashier [56:35] at a grocery store [56:36] and I told her [56:37] I was coming to see you, [56:38] Mr. Lyons, [56:39] and she said, [56:40] will you ask him, [56:42] and she didn't want [56:42] to give her name, [56:43] she was terrified [56:43] to give her name, [56:45] but she said, [56:45] when I get off my shift [56:46] around midnight [56:47] and I walk through [56:48] the parking lot [56:49] to my car, [56:51] she said, [56:52] if somebody rolls up [56:53] in an unidentified van [56:55] and gets out [56:56] wearing all black [56:57] and their face is covered [56:58] and they don't have [56:59] any identification [57:00] and they asked me [57:01] to get into the van, [57:04] how do I know [57:05] who they are? [57:10] How does she know, [57:10] Mr. Lyons? [57:11] How does she know [57:12] if they're an ICE agent [57:12] or bad guys? [57:15] Sir, ICE agents [57:16] have identifiable placards [57:18] on their uniforms [57:19] as well as their badges [57:20] representative, [57:21] but you won't see ICE agents [57:23] rolling through the parking lots [57:24] and just snatching someone up. [57:25] ICE does intelligence-driven [57:27] targeted enforcement operations. [57:30] Well, Mr. Homan [57:31] and others have said [57:31] that they target individuals [57:33] based on the color [57:34] of their skin [57:34] and the accents [57:35] that they speak [57:36] and that's why people [57:37] are running through the fields [57:38] and factories [57:38] where they work. [57:40] Director Lyons, [57:40] last year you said [57:41] in Phoenix [57:42] at the Border Security Expo [57:43] that you wanted to see [57:44] a deportation process [57:45] that was like, quote, [57:47] Amazon Prime [57:48] but with human beings. [57:51] Mr. Lyons, [57:51] how many times [57:52] has Amazon Prime [57:53] shot a mom [57:54] three times in the face? [57:56] None, sir, [57:57] but you're also... [57:58] It's the square root of zero, [57:59] that's right. [57:59] Yes, sir. [58:00] Yeah, but if we're gonna go [58:01] down that route [58:02] of my comment, [58:02] I did say that comment. [58:04] However, that comment [58:04] was taken out. [58:05] If you go back [58:06] and watch the video, [58:06] I did say [58:08] that we need [58:09] to be more efficient [58:10] when it comes [58:11] to removing individuals [58:12] from the United States [58:13] because ICE [58:14] doesn't detain punitively. [58:15] We detain to remove. [58:17] I don't want to see [58:17] people in custody. [58:18] At the end of my statement [58:19] was, [58:21] and again, [58:21] to your point, [58:22] it was a industry day [58:24] for AI inefficiencies, [58:26] but I did say [58:27] at the end of it, [58:27] but we deal with human beings [58:28] so we can't be like them. [58:30] And speaking of... [58:30] That's the key part [58:31] that you're leaving out. [58:32] Well, speaking of human beings, [58:33] how many times [58:34] has Amazon Prime [58:35] shot a nurse [58:36] ten times in the back? [58:37] None. [58:39] How many times [58:39] has Amazon Prime [58:40] dragged a woman [58:41] out of a car by her hair [58:42] and then dragged her [58:43] down the street? [58:43] None. [58:45] How many ICE agents [58:46] have been fired [58:47] for their conduct [58:47] under your leadership? [58:49] Sir, I can get you [58:51] that data. [58:51] I'll get that back to you. [58:53] Is it more than one? [58:54] I'm not gonna speak [58:55] about personnel actions, [58:56] but I'll get you that data. [58:58] Can you tell us [58:59] if at least, [59:00] God, I hope [59:01] at least one person [59:02] has been fired [59:02] for their conduct [59:03] since these operations [59:04] have begun. [59:05] Are you telling us [59:05] you can't even say [59:06] one person's been fired? [59:07] Sir, I'm not gonna talk [59:08] about personnel actions, [59:09] but we will get back to you. [59:10] But two people [59:11] have been killed so far. [59:12] Is that right? [59:14] A nurse named Preddy [59:15] and a mom named Good. [59:16] Two people have been killed [59:17] so far. [59:18] Yes, sir. [59:21] Mr. Lyons, [59:22] will you apologize [59:22] to the family of Renee Good [59:24] for being called [59:25] a domestic terrorist [59:27] by the president [59:28] and his leadership? [59:30] No, sir. [59:30] Why not? [59:32] Sir, I welcome the opportunity [59:34] to speak to the family [59:35] in private, [59:35] but I'm not gonna comment [59:36] on any active investigation. [59:38] Is she a domestic terrorist? [59:39] Sir, I'm not gonna comment [59:41] on the investigation. [59:43] And the president [59:45] and Secretary Noem [59:46] are elected officials. [59:47] That's their right [59:47] to their comments. [59:48] But as law enforcement, [59:49] career law enforcement, [59:50] we won't speak to any. [59:51] Do you agree [59:52] with their comments? [59:53] Sir, I'm not gonna go ahead [59:54] and talk about [59:55] any ongoing investigation. [59:57] Will you apologize [59:57] to the family of Alex Preddy [59:58] for also being called [59:59] a domestic terrorist? [1:00:01] Sir, again, [1:00:03] I'm not gonna speak [1:00:03] to any ongoing investigation. [1:00:05] Mr. Lyons, [1:00:06] you're staying [1:00:07] to lead ICE [1:00:08] is a decision. [1:00:11] Sir, I'm sorry. [1:00:12] Could you repeat that? [1:00:12] You're staying on [1:00:13] to lead ICE [1:00:14] as a decision. [1:00:14] And I've read your background. [1:00:16] You have a decorated career. [1:00:18] You've served [1:00:19] in the military. [1:00:21] You are what I would call [1:00:22] otherwise employable. [1:00:25] I think most people would agree [1:00:26] this is not the only job [1:00:27] that you can get. [1:00:30] But since you've been [1:00:30] on this job, [1:00:32] women have been dragged [1:00:33] by their hair [1:00:35] through our streets. [1:00:36] A six-year-old child [1:00:37] battling stage four cancer [1:00:39] has been deported. [1:00:40] And it turns out [1:00:41] he was a U.S. citizen. [1:00:43] People are running [1:00:44] through the fields [1:00:45] where they work. [1:00:47] People who've gone [1:00:48] to the streets [1:00:49] as allies [1:00:49] have been shot [1:00:51] and publicly executed. [1:00:54] It's a decision [1:00:55] to stay on [1:00:56] at this point. [1:00:58] And considering [1:00:58] your honorable service [1:01:00] in the past [1:01:01] and the dishonorable acts [1:01:03] that those [1:01:04] who have worked for you [1:01:05] have conducted [1:01:06] and the disgraceful statements [1:01:08] that the leadership [1:01:08] above you have said, [1:01:10] you now have a decision. [1:01:14] Will you stand [1:01:15] with the kids [1:01:15] who you're supposed [1:01:16] to protect [1:01:16] or will you side [1:01:19] with the killers [1:01:19] bringing terror [1:01:21] to our streets? [1:01:22] Mr. Lyons, [1:01:23] will you resign from ICE? [1:01:25] No, sir, I won't. [1:01:26] Why not? [1:01:27] Because, sir, [1:01:28] that child that you're [1:01:28] showing right there, [1:01:29] the men and women of ICE [1:01:30] took care of him [1:01:31] when his father [1:01:31] abandoned him [1:01:32] and ran from law enforcement. [1:01:33] The gentleman's time [1:01:33] has expired. [1:01:34] You never should have [1:01:35] gone into custody. [1:01:35] The gentleman's time [1:01:35] has expired. [1:01:36] I recognize the gentleman [1:01:37] from Mississippi. [1:01:37] Mr. Guest for five minutes. [1:01:40] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [1:01:42] Mr. Chairman, [1:01:42] we stand on the verge [1:01:44] of a second Democrat shutdown [1:01:45] of the United States [1:01:47] Department of Homeland Security [1:01:48] just within the last 90 days. [1:01:52] The Department of Homeland Security [1:01:54] employs 260,000 men and women [1:01:58] across 22 different agencies. [1:02:01] Those agencies include [1:02:03] 63,000 men and women [1:02:05] who work for CBP, [1:02:07] 60,000 who work for TSA, [1:02:09] 22,000 for FEMA, [1:02:11] 18,000 who works for USCIS, [1:02:14] almost 50,000 civilian [1:02:17] and military employees [1:02:18] with the United States Coast Guard, [1:02:21] 7,800 Secret Service employees, [1:02:24] 2,500 CISA employees, [1:02:28] and over 8,000 agents [1:02:29] and analysts [1:02:30] with the Department of Homeland Security [1:02:32] investigation [1:02:33] who perform a crucial function, [1:02:37] a crucial function [1:02:38] to protect and serve this country. [1:02:41] This second government shutdown [1:02:45] led by my friends [1:02:48] on the Democrats' side of the aisle [1:02:50] will leave our country less safe. [1:02:54] Don't just take my word for it. [1:02:56] Let's look at the words [1:02:57] of the Biden administration. [1:03:00] President Biden [1:03:00] and Kamala Harris, [1:03:02] Department of Homeland Security, [1:03:04] in September of 2023, [1:03:07] as the nation faced [1:03:08] a potential government shutdown, [1:03:11] they issued a fact sheet. [1:03:13] That fact sheet is entitled [1:03:15] The Impact of Government Shutdown [1:03:17] on the DHS Workforce. [1:03:20] This fact sheet says this. [1:03:24] It says DHS workforce [1:03:26] is comprised of [1:03:28] extraordinary public servants [1:03:30] who safeguard this nation. [1:03:33] It goes on to say [1:03:34] any lapse in federal funding [1:03:36] would disrupt this vital work, [1:03:38] leaving Americans less safe [1:03:40] as a result. [1:03:42] Those working without pay [1:03:44] include law enforcement [1:03:45] conducting such acts [1:03:47] as seizing illegal narcotics [1:03:48] like fentanyl, [1:03:50] combating child exploitation [1:03:52] and child predators, [1:03:54] identifying and arresting [1:03:55] human trafficking, [1:03:56] responding to natural disasters, [1:03:59] preventing cyber attacks, [1:04:02] and protecting U.S. government leaders. [1:04:07] And so I ask you, gentlemen, [1:04:08] as we are once again [1:04:10] on the verge of a shutdown [1:04:13] of the Department of Homeland Security, [1:04:16] if the Democrats take us to the edge, [1:04:18] if they refuse to sign a CR, [1:04:20] if once again the men and women [1:04:22] who serve under your leadership, [1:04:24] if they are once again not paid, [1:04:27] I ask you, [1:04:28] how will that impact our nation? [1:04:31] Will America be more safe [1:04:33] or will America be less safe [1:04:36] if we are once again [1:04:38] led into a government shutdown [1:04:39] by the Democrat Party? [1:04:41] Mr. Scott. [1:04:43] I believe consistency [1:04:47] and seeing support [1:04:48] from the leadership [1:04:49] on both sides of this building [1:04:52] and the president [1:04:53] is very important to border security. [1:04:55] I think the rhetoric [1:04:56] and the back and forth, [1:04:58] the politicizing [1:05:00] of law enforcement in general [1:05:01] detracts from the general morale [1:05:03] of our personnel. [1:05:04] Is it not important [1:05:06] that we pay the men and women [1:05:07] who serve under your command? [1:05:09] It's critically important. [1:05:10] And in a government shutdown, [1:05:11] the bills don't stop, [1:05:12] do they not? [1:05:13] The bills continue to accrue. [1:05:15] Correct. [1:05:16] And the deployment of technology [1:05:19] ceases in many cases [1:05:21] and America becomes less safe. [1:05:24] Would you agree with that statement? [1:05:26] I would agree America [1:05:27] becomes less safe. [1:05:28] Mr. Edlow, what about you? [1:05:30] Congressman, [1:05:31] as I'm sure you're aware, [1:05:32] USCIS is a little different [1:05:33] in that we are fee funded. [1:05:35] So during a shutdown, [1:05:36] the men and women [1:05:37] working for USCIS [1:05:39] will continue to be paid. [1:05:41] However, in terms of our screening [1:05:43] and vetting enterprises, [1:05:45] as well as everything else we do, [1:05:46] we have formed very, [1:05:49] very strong working relationships [1:05:50] with the other components, [1:05:53] and that's critical for us [1:05:54] to be able to do our work. [1:05:55] While we may be there [1:05:57] able to continue [1:05:58] without our partners being paid [1:06:00] and with them being furloughed, [1:06:02] it's going to make America [1:06:03] significantly less safe. [1:06:06] And Mr. Lyons. [1:06:08] Yes, sir. [1:06:08] It will have a great impact, [1:06:09] especially on the [1:06:10] Homeland Security Task Forces [1:06:11] and the men and women [1:06:13] that are focused on [1:06:14] the transnational crime [1:06:15] and foreign terrorist organization. [1:06:17] Mr. Lyons, very quickly, [1:06:18] we've had many members [1:06:19] of this committee [1:06:20] who have made allegations [1:06:22] that Democrats have once again [1:06:24] taken the mantle of the party [1:06:25] to defund the police [1:06:27] and abolish ICE. [1:06:28] Do you wish to take [1:06:30] my last few seconds [1:06:31] to speak about the consequences [1:06:32] that has on the men [1:06:33] and women that you serve? [1:06:34] The men and women of ICE [1:06:36] have sworn law enforcement offices [1:06:37] who are dedicated [1:06:38] to do their mission [1:06:39] to protect the United States. [1:06:42] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [1:06:43] I yield back. [1:06:44] Gentleman yields back. [1:06:45] I now recognize [1:06:45] a gentleman from California. [1:06:46] Mr. Correa, [1:06:47] five minutes of questions. [1:06:48] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [1:06:49] I want to welcome [1:06:50] our witnesses today. [1:06:54] Gentlemen, [1:06:55] I wanted to start out [1:06:56] by talking a little bit [1:06:57] about my district, [1:06:58] Southern California, [1:07:00] Disneyland. [1:07:02] Southern California [1:07:02] is the center of manufacturing [1:07:05] for the United States. [1:07:07] California, [1:07:08] biggest act, [1:07:09] state, [1:07:09] and union. [1:07:11] California also, [1:07:13] big donor, [1:07:13] taxpayer dollars [1:07:15] to the United States. [1:07:19] President Trump [1:07:20] got elected [1:07:20] on the promise [1:07:21] to deport [1:07:23] the worst of the worst. [1:07:26] Your numbers, [1:07:27] Mr. Lyons, [1:07:28] less than 14% [1:07:29] of those arrested [1:07:31] by ICE [1:07:32] first year, [1:07:33] 2025, [1:07:34] had charges [1:07:35] or convictions [1:07:36] of violent violence. [1:07:39] 70% of those deported [1:07:41] had not even [1:07:42] a traffic ticket. [1:07:44] Mr. Lyons, [1:07:47] I think we're all patriots, [1:07:48] but I'm trying to figure out [1:07:50] how, [1:07:51] this is a question [1:07:51] to you, sir, [1:07:53] how deporting a nanny [1:07:54] makes our nation [1:07:55] safer, stronger? [1:07:56] How trying to deport [1:07:58] the father of three Marines [1:08:00] make this country stronger? [1:08:02] How deporting the parents [1:08:04] of a number of Marines [1:08:05] at Camp Pendleton [1:08:07] makes this nation stronger? [1:08:11] Sir, [1:08:11] thank you for your welcome, [1:08:12] first off. [1:08:12] Just to address [1:08:13] the numbers [1:08:15] with the 14%, sir, [1:08:16] that's 14% [1:08:17] that are listed [1:08:18] as violent [1:08:19] criminal felonies. [1:08:21] However, [1:08:22] what's left out of that [1:08:22] is the fact [1:08:23] that what's left off [1:08:24] that list [1:08:24] is human trafficking. [1:08:24] Those 70%, [1:08:25] they don't have [1:08:26] a traffic ticket [1:08:27] and deported. [1:08:29] How has that [1:08:29] made our nation stronger? [1:08:31] Sir, [1:08:31] if you look at [1:08:31] what ICE has done, [1:08:33] more than 60% [1:08:34] of every individual [1:08:35] that is in ICE custody [1:08:36] has a pending [1:08:38] or a conviction [1:08:38] on a criminal charge. [1:08:39] Not to counsel- [1:08:40] Sir, [1:08:40] let me move ahead. [1:08:41] I only have [1:08:41] three minutes [1:08:42] and we'll talk later. [1:08:44] Let's talk about [1:08:44] American citizens. [1:08:46] Again, [1:08:46] back home. [1:08:50] People, [1:08:51] young people [1:08:51] asking me, [1:08:52] what do I have [1:08:53] to carry with me [1:08:54] so I won't be deported? [1:08:57] Is Mr. Lyons [1:08:58] carrying a passport, [1:08:59] is that enough [1:09:00] so they won't be detained [1:09:02] or deported [1:09:02] in my district? [1:09:04] Sir, [1:09:05] an American citizen [1:09:06] shouldn't carry [1:09:06] or shouldn't feel [1:09:07] the need to carry [1:09:08] an passport. [1:09:08] Let me tell you [1:09:09] what some of your ICE [1:09:09] agents have done. [1:09:10] They pulled over [1:09:11] a gentleman [1:09:11] in a pickup truck, [1:09:13] showed his passport, [1:09:14] they threw it [1:09:15] to the side, [1:09:16] detained him. [1:09:18] What do we have to do [1:09:19] to show that we're [1:09:21] American citizens? [1:09:22] Sir, [1:09:22] no American citizen [1:09:23] falls onto Title 8. [1:09:24] No American citizen [1:09:25] will be arrested [1:09:26] for being American citizens. [1:09:27] But you just said [1:09:27] to my colleague [1:09:28] that nobody has been fired [1:09:30] because of violations [1:09:32] of the law [1:09:33] for disciplinary actions, [1:09:35] yet this is happening [1:09:36] in my district. [1:09:38] Mr. Lyons, [1:09:38] we're a very boring district. [1:09:41] We work hard, [1:09:42] mind our own business, [1:09:44] ICE in our streets now. [1:09:46] People are terrorized. [1:09:47] American citizens. [1:09:49] Number of cases [1:09:50] of Americans [1:09:51] being detained, [1:09:53] being taken in, [1:09:54] some being held [1:09:54] for five days. [1:09:57] Sir, [1:09:57] what do we do [1:09:59] with those people [1:09:59] in that situation? [1:10:01] What do we tell them? [1:10:04] Sir, [1:10:04] I don't know [1:10:05] of any particular cases [1:10:06] you're speaking [1:10:07] of American citizens [1:10:08] being held. [1:10:08] I'm more than happy [1:10:09] to provide you a list, [1:10:10] sir. [1:10:11] 100%, sir. [1:10:12] So let me ask you, [1:10:13] sir, [1:10:16] are you surveilling [1:10:17] U.S. citizens today? [1:10:18] No, sir. [1:10:21] Those people protesting, [1:10:22] practicing this [1:10:23] First Amendment right, [1:10:26] photos of them, [1:10:27] data taken, [1:10:28] they're not being placed [1:10:29] in any kind [1:10:30] of a database? [1:10:31] There is no database [1:10:32] for protesters, sir. [1:10:33] One of your officers [1:10:35] in Maine said [1:10:36] to one of the individuals [1:10:37] protesting, [1:10:38] we're going to put your face [1:10:40] in a little database. [1:10:41] What does that mean? [1:10:42] Do you have [1:10:42] a little database [1:10:43] of Americans? [1:10:45] No, sir, we don't. [1:10:45] Then what do you think [1:10:46] your ICE agent [1:10:47] was doing to this individual [1:10:48] when he said [1:10:49] those statements? [1:10:50] I can't speak [1:10:50] for that individual, sir, [1:10:51] but I can assure you [1:10:52] there is no database [1:10:53] that's tracking [1:10:53] United States citizens. [1:10:55] Sir, California, [1:10:58] we're a sanctuary state. [1:11:00] Does that cause you [1:11:01] a problem picking up [1:11:02] individuals? [1:11:04] Yes, sir. [1:11:06] I have with me today [1:11:07] some data from [1:11:08] Sheriff Barnes, [1:11:10] Orange County Sheriff, [1:11:11] very good friend, [1:11:13] has been here [1:11:13] to testify in numbers times. [1:11:15] For 2025, [1:11:18] he referred about [1:11:18] 300 individuals [1:11:20] for your office [1:11:22] to pick up. [1:11:24] 250 were picked up, [1:11:26] 50 were never picked up. [1:11:28] We had a long conversation [1:11:29] saying, [1:11:29] what is going on? [1:11:30] If these are the worst [1:11:31] of the worst, [1:11:32] you've called ICE [1:11:33] to pick them up [1:11:34] and you didn't pick them up. [1:11:35] Can you explain to us [1:11:36] why you didn't pick up [1:11:38] all these individuals [1:11:39] that were referred [1:11:39] to your office [1:11:40] to pick up? [1:11:41] Yes, sir. [1:11:41] That's the key part [1:11:43] of that is the referral. [1:11:44] We make sure [1:11:44] that those individuals [1:11:46] are eligible [1:11:47] to be placed in detention [1:11:48] and for movability. [1:11:49] You never even [1:11:50] look at those individuals. [1:11:52] I would like to talk [1:11:53] to you about this issue [1:11:54] later on, Mr. Lyons. [1:11:55] Thank you very much. [1:11:56] Time has expired. [1:11:57] I now encourage [1:11:57] the gentleman from Texas, [1:11:59] Mr. Pflueger, [1:11:59] for five minutes of questions. [1:12:00] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [1:12:02] Why are we here? [1:12:04] And I think it's pretty clear [1:12:05] that until proven otherwise, [1:12:08] five years of experience, [1:12:09] that it seems like [1:12:11] one side of the aisle [1:12:12] is in favor of open borders [1:12:15] and wants to abolish ICE. [1:12:18] And I hope that [1:12:19] that can be proven wrong [1:12:20] and the other side [1:12:23] of the aisle [1:12:23] wants to enforce [1:12:25] the laws that are [1:12:26] on the books. [1:12:27] Commissioner Scott, [1:12:28] how many administrations [1:12:29] have you worked for [1:12:29] in your career? [1:12:32] Since the Clinton administration. [1:12:34] So multiple Republicans, [1:12:36] multiple Democrats. [1:12:37] Correct. [1:12:37] Is it a crime [1:12:38] to enter this country [1:12:39] illegally [1:12:39] and to skip a notice [1:12:40] to appear, [1:12:41] to skip a court-ordered appearance [1:12:42] and to not comply [1:12:45] with the laws [1:12:45] that are on the books? [1:12:48] Yes, sir. [1:12:49] Has that changed [1:12:50] since you started working [1:12:51] for President Clinton? [1:12:52] No. [1:12:53] So I can't imagine [1:12:55] establishing the fact [1:12:56] that it is a crime [1:12:57] to skip a notice [1:12:59] to appear. [1:13:00] We had 10 to 12 million people [1:13:02] who entered this country [1:13:03] illegally in the Biden administration [1:13:05] as a conservative estimate. [1:13:07] There are sanctuary cities [1:13:09] all throughout the United States [1:13:10] who have said, [1:13:11] we will not comply [1:13:12] with federal laws. [1:13:13] That's why we're here today. [1:13:15] I can't imagine [1:13:17] being a DHS officer, [1:13:18] an ICE officer, [1:13:19] and being threatened [1:13:20] with violence, [1:13:22] having death threats, [1:13:23] being doxed, [1:13:24] having your family identified, [1:13:26] putting that on the Internet [1:13:28] and violently telling you [1:13:30] that they are going to kill you [1:13:32] because you are enforcing [1:13:33] the laws that are on this books [1:13:34] that were passed [1:13:35] by both sides of the aisle [1:13:36] in this body. [1:13:38] Director Lyons, [1:13:39] how many of your agents [1:13:40] are being doxed, [1:13:41] threatened, [1:13:41] or harassed? [1:13:43] We've had over [1:13:44] an 8,000% increase [1:13:46] on death threats. [1:13:48] You know, [1:13:48] I'm in the middle [1:13:49] of working a bipartisan [1:13:51] domestic terrorism working group [1:13:53] with another member [1:13:54] on this committee. [1:13:55] There is a group [1:13:57] called Defend 612 [1:13:59] that has come out [1:14:01] with tactics, techniques, [1:14:02] and procedures [1:14:03] in Minneapolis [1:14:04] to do things [1:14:05] like encourage protesters [1:14:06] to impede law enforcement, [1:14:08] to push civilians [1:14:09] towards legally [1:14:10] and physically risky confrontations, [1:14:12] to help mobilize [1:14:13] a counter-protest, [1:14:14] to coordinate strategies [1:14:15] and trainings [1:14:16] to aid illegal immigrants [1:14:18] to avoid detention. [1:14:20] Are you familiar [1:14:20] with groups like this, [1:14:22] Defend 612? [1:14:24] Yes, sir. [1:14:24] We have multiple groups [1:14:25] around that [1:14:26] in all 50 states. [1:14:27] There's an article [1:14:28] written by Christina Buttons [1:14:29] and I'd like unanimous consent [1:14:31] to enter this [1:14:32] into the record [1:14:33] called Inside Minneapolis' [1:14:34] Ice Watch Network. [1:14:37] Chairman, [1:14:38] I seek unanimous consent [1:14:39] to enter this. [1:14:40] Without objection. [1:14:41] This article talks [1:14:42] about these tactics, [1:14:43] techniques, [1:14:44] and procedures [1:14:44] that put your law enforcement [1:14:46] agents [1:14:46] and your agents [1:14:47] at risk. [1:14:48] What is different [1:14:49] about Minneapolis? [1:14:50] What kind of coordination [1:14:51] have you received [1:14:52] from the local police department [1:14:53] that we don't see [1:14:54] any of this in Texas? [1:14:56] We've not seen, [1:14:57] and there have been [1:14:57] many ice operations [1:14:58] that have happened in Texas, [1:14:59] but what's different [1:15:00] from what you've seen [1:15:01] in Minneapolis? [1:15:03] Unfortunately, sir, [1:15:04] at the beginning [1:15:04] of the Minneapolis operation, [1:15:06] we didn't see [1:15:07] any cooperation [1:15:07] at the state [1:15:08] or the local level, [1:15:09] whether it be [1:15:10] from the Minneapolis [1:15:10] Police Department [1:15:11] or the Minnesota State Police, [1:15:13] which led to ice officers [1:15:14] and agents, [1:15:15] as well as our other [1:15:16] federal partners, [1:15:17] pretty much having [1:15:18] to defend themselves [1:15:19] from whatever impediment, [1:15:20] riots, or protests. [1:15:21] Were they told [1:15:22] by local elected officials [1:15:24] not to cooperate? [1:15:25] Yes, sir. [1:15:26] Is that because [1:15:26] they're a sanctuary city? [1:15:29] I'm assuming [1:15:30] that's what it is, sir, [1:15:30] but I can't speak [1:15:31] to the mind [1:15:31] of those elected officials, [1:15:32] but they were ordered [1:15:33] not to stand out. [1:15:34] How did it make you feel [1:15:35] as somebody [1:15:36] who carries out the laws [1:15:37] that this body has passed [1:15:38] when you hear [1:15:39] the mayor of Minneapolis [1:15:40] say, F ice? [1:15:42] Oh, sir, [1:15:43] it's, I mean, [1:15:44] from a morale standpoint, [1:15:45] it hurts us [1:15:46] to the fact that [1:15:46] for decades, [1:15:48] and I've worked [1:15:48] since President Bush, [1:15:50] ice has always been [1:15:51] in Minneapolis. [1:15:52] We've always been [1:15:53] in every major city [1:15:54] and state, [1:15:54] so it wasn't like [1:15:55] it was a brand new thing. [1:15:56] We've always been doing [1:15:57] immigration enforcement, [1:15:58] so that's demoralizing. [1:16:00] Commissioner Scott, [1:16:01] are you separating families? [1:16:03] No. [1:16:05] Tell me about [1:16:06] when you served [1:16:07] President Obama. [1:16:08] Has anything changed [1:16:09] in the policy [1:16:10] of deportation, [1:16:13] and how many people [1:16:14] did President Obama deport? [1:16:15] I don't have that number [1:16:16] in front of me. [1:16:19] Policies and how things [1:16:20] are enforced do change. [1:16:21] The laws have not changed. [1:16:23] I believe what you're [1:16:24] referring to is literally [1:16:26] when someone is arrested, [1:16:27] whether it's on immigration [1:16:28] or whether it's [1:16:29] a normal criminal offense, [1:16:32] and they have children, [1:16:34] we don't necessarily [1:16:34] prosecute the children. [1:16:36] But when someone's deported, [1:16:37] if they want to take [1:16:38] their children with them, [1:16:39] they have that right. [1:16:40] We do not separate them. [1:16:41] I hope that the other side [1:16:42] of the aisle [1:16:42] will read this article [1:16:43] on Defense 612 [1:16:45] and look at the tactics, [1:16:46] techniques, and procedures. [1:16:48] And if this is [1:16:48] domestic terrorism, [1:16:49] where we have a group [1:16:50] that's on signal [1:16:51] that is calling out agents [1:16:53] and doing things [1:16:54] to interrupt, intercede, [1:16:55] and prevent law enforcement [1:16:57] from carrying out [1:16:57] the laws that this body passed, [1:16:59] that you'll have the courage [1:17:00] to call it domestic terrorism [1:17:02] if it is that way. [1:17:03] And I yield back. [1:17:04] The gentleman yields back, [1:17:06] and I now recognize [1:17:06] the gentleman from Michigan, [1:17:07] Mr. Panadar, [1:17:09] for five minutes of questions. [1:17:11] Thank you, Mr. Chairman, [1:17:13] and good morning [1:17:14] to our witnesses. [1:17:17] Commissioner Scott, [1:17:19] did the ICU nurse, [1:17:25] Alex Preddy, [1:17:27] deserve to die? [1:17:29] I cannot comment [1:17:30] on an ongoing investigation, sir. [1:17:33] Do you believe [1:17:34] that he deserved to die? [1:17:37] Should he be killed [1:17:38] by your agents? [1:17:40] I'm not going to comment [1:17:41] on an ongoing investigation, sir, [1:17:43] before it's concluded [1:17:44] and all the facts [1:17:44] are available. [1:17:48] Do you agree [1:17:49] with CBP Commander Bovino [1:17:51] statement that Alex Preddy [1:17:54] was planning [1:17:54] to massacre [1:17:56] law enforcement agents? [1:17:58] I'm not going to comment [1:17:59] on an ongoing investigation, sir. [1:18:03] Director Lyons, [1:18:05] did Rene Good [1:18:07] deserve to die? [1:18:10] Sir, I can't comment [1:18:11] on ongoing investigations. [1:18:14] Director Lyons, [1:18:15] do you agree [1:18:16] with Secretary Noem [1:18:17] and Vice President [1:18:18] Vance's characterization [1:18:20] of Rene Good [1:18:21] as a domestic terrorist? [1:18:24] Sir, I can't speak [1:18:25] to their comments [1:18:26] as that they are their own, [1:18:27] but as an ongoing investigation, [1:18:29] I can't speak to that. [1:18:32] Director Lyons, [1:18:32] what did your agents [1:18:34] mean [1:18:35] when he said [1:18:36] you raise your voice, [1:18:39] I erase your voice [1:18:40] in the video [1:18:42] just that we have seen, [1:18:44] all of us have seen? [1:18:46] Sir, I'm not aware [1:18:46] of that video [1:18:47] that you have, sir. [1:18:48] I can't comment [1:18:48] on what that officer [1:18:49] has said. [1:18:51] Does that statement, [1:18:52] if that statement, [1:18:54] if I show you [1:18:55] the video of that, [1:18:56] does that statement [1:18:57] reflect the value [1:18:58] of your agency [1:18:59] and does ICE [1:19:01] respect and adhere [1:19:02] to the First Amendment? [1:19:04] Yes, sir. [1:19:05] ICE does respect [1:19:06] and refer to [1:19:07] the First Amendment, [1:19:08] but that doesn't respect, [1:19:09] that, [1:19:10] your statement [1:19:10] that you said [1:19:11] doesn't represent [1:19:12] the values [1:19:13] of the men [1:19:13] and women of ICE. [1:19:14] Commissioner Scott, [1:19:15] does CBP respect [1:19:17] and adhere [1:19:17] to the First [1:19:18] and Second Amendment? [1:19:19] Yes, we do. [1:19:22] Don't you agree [1:19:23] that Alex Petty [1:19:24] had every right [1:19:25] to exercise [1:19:26] his First [1:19:28] and Second Amendment [1:19:29] freedoms [1:19:30] before being shot [1:19:32] in the streets [1:19:33] by one of your agents? [1:19:36] I believe [1:19:37] every person [1:19:38] in the United States [1:19:39] has a right [1:19:39] to their constitutional rights. [1:19:42] Look, [1:19:42] I have heard [1:19:43] and seen enough. [1:19:47] I'm just sick [1:19:48] and tired [1:19:49] of your agents [1:19:51] running around [1:19:53] in our cities, [1:19:54] in our streets, [1:19:57] causing illegal activities. [1:19:59] ICE and CBP [1:20:03] thugs [1:20:03] are roaming [1:20:04] our streets, [1:20:06] attacking our communities, [1:20:08] using our children [1:20:10] as bait, [1:20:12] referring to people [1:20:13] as bodies [1:20:14] and numbers, [1:20:16] targeting people [1:20:17] for their accents [1:20:19] and the color [1:20:21] of their skin, [1:20:23] and killing [1:20:24] American citizens, [1:20:26] all while showing [1:20:28] zero remorse [1:20:30] for their actions. [1:20:31] Director Lyons [1:20:34] and Commissioner Scott, [1:20:37] do you think [1:20:38] President Trump [1:20:39] will pardon you [1:20:41] and your boss, [1:20:43] Christine Ohm, [1:20:44] before he leaves office [1:20:46] just like he has [1:20:48] for insurrectionists [1:20:50] and his political allies? [1:20:54] Do you believe [1:20:54] President Trump [1:20:56] will pardon you? [1:20:58] Because, [1:21:00] go ahead. [1:21:01] I'm not going to speak [1:21:02] on behalf of President Trump, [1:21:03] but I'll tell you, [1:21:04] I signed up for this job [1:21:05] to protect America, [1:21:07] and I'm very proud [1:21:08] of the service [1:21:09] that I provide, [1:21:10] and I don't need [1:21:11] a pardon from anybody. [1:21:12] Well, [1:21:12] you better hope so. [1:21:13] You better hope [1:21:14] you get being pardoned [1:21:15] because you will be [1:21:16] held accountable [1:21:17] for the absolute [1:21:19] disregard of the law [1:21:20] your agencies [1:21:21] have shown [1:21:22] over the past year. [1:21:25] Your agencies [1:21:25] have lost the trust [1:21:27] of the American people [1:21:30] with millions [1:21:32] taking to the streets [1:21:34] to protect [1:21:35] the illegal actions [1:21:37] of your agencies. [1:21:39] and that's why [1:21:41] I introduced a bill [1:21:42] in the United States Congress [1:21:45] to abolish ICE. [1:21:49] ICE must be abolished. [1:21:53] I also co-sponsored a bill [1:21:55] to impeach [1:21:56] Secretary Kristi Noem, [1:21:59] and I believe [1:21:59] Kristi Noem must be impeached, [1:22:04] and this Congress [1:22:05] must do everything [1:22:06] in its power [1:22:07] to carry out [1:22:08] oversight actions [1:22:10] against these rogues' departments, [1:22:13] including if... [1:22:14] The gentleman's time [1:22:15] has expired. [1:22:16] A witness [1:22:17] has requested a break. [1:22:19] Committee will recess [1:22:20] for five minutes. [1:22:22] Members of the audience [1:22:22] will remain seated. [1:22:24] I leave the road [1:23:15] to the Pennsylvania [1:24:36] and the president [1:24:37] for five minutes. [1:24:39] I leave... [1:24:41] the bill... [1:24:42] The committee will come to order. [1:30:53] I recognize the gentleman from Texas, Mr. Gonzalez, for five minutes of questions. [1:31:00] Thank you, Chairman, and thank you, gentlemen, for your service to our great country. [1:31:04] I was speaking to some agents that were deployed from Texas to Minnesota, just asking for the [1:31:10] ground truth of what was happening. [1:31:11] And one of the things that stood out to me is one of the agents said, Tony, it reminds [1:31:14] me a lot of Fallujah. [1:31:16] Having someone that served in Fallujah, that caught my attention. [1:31:19] And so my question first is to you, Commissioner Scott, is on the safety of our agents. [1:31:25] In particular, I see that these task forces work, these anti-gang, these anti-terrorism [1:31:30] task forces. [1:31:31] But thinking of Fallujah reminds me of we were fighting a war that was the Persian Gulf [1:31:35] when the world had changed. [1:31:38] And so my question is, is there a way we can protect our law enforcement, our federal law [1:31:43] enforcement agents? [1:31:44] In particular, through, I've got a bill, in particular through bulletproof glass or ballistic [1:31:50] windshields. [1:31:53] Is that something you think that could help protect the law enforcement officers that are [1:31:57] on the front lines? [1:31:59] I think that can help protect the officers on the front lines. [1:32:01] But it goes much farther than that, because things have changed. [1:32:05] So the tactical infrastructure at the border, the bulletproof vests, all of that helps tremendously. [1:32:10] But we're fighting a different fight now. [1:32:12] The reason you saw so many people surged into L.A. at one point and then now into Minneapolis [1:32:17] was because we had to surge additional resources in to protect the ICE agents that were literally [1:32:22] just going to try to make a lawful arrest. [1:32:24] So we had to put in two teams, one to do the arrest and another one to deal with the protesters. [1:32:29] Luckily, CBP, well, not luckily, unfortunately, CBP's had to build out this capability over the years because [1:32:35] we had been dealing with increased protests at the border, mass incursions. [1:32:39] So we trained our people how to do crowd control. [1:32:41] But let's not miss the fact that we have coordinated, well-funded, and I think insurgencies [1:32:48] or terrorist organizations, however you want to call it, literally trying to prevent legal laws [1:32:53] from being enforced in the United States. [1:32:54] That is a dramatic change. [1:32:56] That's why we've had to shift. [1:32:57] So we've got to figure out how to protect our officers and agents more holistically. [1:33:01] On social media, how do we keep them from being doxxed? [1:33:03] When somebody goes to, like they did to Director Lyons, they follow his kid home and then have [1:33:08] protests in his front yard and then put it out live on video, that needs to be a crime. [1:33:14] I don't want to violate anybody's right to free speech, but going into your front yard [1:33:18] and harassing your family just because you're a law enforcement officer, that should not be [1:33:22] a protected action. [1:33:23] The world has changed and we need to change with it to make sure our federal law enforcement [1:33:27] officers and their families are protected. [1:33:29] My next question is for Director Lyons. [1:33:32] Body cameras have been deployed in Minnesota. [1:33:35] I think transparency helps regain public trust. [1:33:38] Is there any plan to release any of the footage to the public? [1:33:42] 100 percent, sir. [1:33:43] That's one thing that I'm committed to is the full transparency and I fully welcome body [1:33:49] cameras all across the spectrum in all of our law enforcement activities. [1:33:52] It is, sir. [1:33:53] Body camera footage will be released. [1:33:55] I agree with you completely. [1:33:57] Everyone assumes this body camera footage is bad footage. [1:34:01] In so many cases, it's the exact opposite. [1:34:04] And we get a show from the officer's lens what exactly they're dealing with on a daily basis, [1:34:10] not just a 15-second clip we see on TikTok or whatever it may be. [1:34:13] I'm very pleased to hear the releasing of more public footage. [1:34:17] My next question is for you, Commissioner Scott. [1:34:21] As a member of Congress, I have a very – all of us – questions really for all of us. [1:34:24] As a member of Congress, what can I do to make sure what happened in Minnesota doesn't happen [1:34:31] in my community? [1:34:33] Put laws in place to protect our officers and agents so they can go out and do their [1:34:36] job confidently and know they really, truly have the backing. [1:34:40] And then – I've got to plug it – actually fund the programs. [1:34:44] So when body cameras got rolled out to CBP, the technical capability of the camera got [1:34:48] rolled out, but the funding for the personnel to support the programs and the data, that [1:34:53] can drain basically all your other operations. [1:34:56] So fund the entire program so that we can be transparent and that we can make sure America [1:35:02] knows what we're doing because that trust is critically important. [1:35:06] Thank you for that. [1:35:07] My next question is to Director Ed Lowe. [1:35:09] Too many times we talk about the enforcement side, which I think is very important. [1:35:12] We see the millions of criminal aliens that are loose in our country. [1:35:15] We've got to go out there and keep our community safe. [1:35:17] But we need to be talking more about the legal aspect of it, the people that are doing it [1:35:21] the right way. [1:35:22] I'm very encouraged to see 65,000 visas get released not too long ago. [1:35:27] The question I have is, what are the details? [1:35:29] What is the timeline behind that? [1:35:31] What is the purpose of those? [1:35:32] Can you specifically speak to the legal visa process? [1:35:37] Well, you're referring to the 65,000 that were the supplemental H2Bs. [1:35:41] Yes, exactly right. [1:35:43] That's a, there's 60,000 or 65,000, 66,000, excuse me, that go out every year at two times [1:35:49] in the year. [1:35:50] And then Congress has for many, many years given the department the authority through [1:35:55] the secretary to increase that based on the needs of the country. [1:35:59] So that, that, those visas were released. [1:36:02] I don't remember exactly when the time has expired. [1:36:07] I apologize. [1:36:08] And again, any questions? [1:36:09] I know I'm, I'm being tight on the rules. [1:36:11] We have to be, there's a lot of questions we want to get through everything today. [1:36:15] Any members will be able to submit questions in writing and you can detail these. [1:36:19] Thank you very much. [1:36:20] I now recognize the gentleman from Rhode Island, Mr. Magaziner for five minutes of questions. [1:36:25] Mr. Lyons, has ICE hired anyone who is charged with a crime related to the January 6th riot [1:36:31] here at the Capitol? [1:36:34] Sir, I don't, I don't have that information, but I would say no. [1:36:37] Would you, if you, could you find out and please report back? [1:36:39] Yes, sir. [1:36:40] I'll get that. [1:36:41] Would you hire someone who attacked police officers here on January 6th, even though [1:36:45] they were unfortunately pardoned by the president? [1:36:47] Sir, we take assault on law enforcement very serious and we have a good strenuous [1:36:52] vetting program. [1:36:53] I'm sure. [1:36:54] Thank you. [1:36:55] Commissioner Scott, how many of your agents have been disciplined for excessive use of [1:36:58] force over the past year? [1:37:00] I cannot comment on ongoing or personnel action. [1:37:02] I'm not asking you to comment on specific investigation. [1:37:04] How many of your agents have been disciplined? [1:37:08] I'm just asking for the total. [1:37:09] I'll get that number to you. [1:37:10] I don't have it in front of me. [1:37:11] All right. [1:37:12] I sent you a letter asking that question and haven't received a response. [1:37:15] Will you commit to sending a response to me, please? [1:37:17] Yes, sir. [1:37:18] All right. [1:37:19] I'd like you to view this video. [1:37:22] This is video of what appears to be pepper spray thrown by a federal agent into Rafael [1:37:27] Verraza's car. [1:37:28] You're okay, mama? [1:37:29] You're okay? [1:37:30] Seconds later, he realized his daughter, one-year-old Ariana, was in the back seat, [1:37:35] also battling the chemicals. [1:37:37] Are you familiar with this incident? [1:37:40] Yes. [1:37:41] Okay. [1:37:42] Now, this is a family of United States citizens who were out to get groceries at a Sam's Club [1:37:46] in Chicago. [1:37:47] When they arrived, they could see that there was a chaotic operation in the parking lot. [1:37:52] They turned their vehicle to leave, at which point your agents sprayed pepper spray out [1:37:56] of their vehicle and into the driver's side window of the Verraza's family vehicle. [1:38:02] Is it proper procedure to aim pepper spray into the window of a moving vehicle? [1:38:06] I'm not familiar. [1:38:08] I don't have all the details on this. [1:38:10] It's an ongoing investigation. [1:38:11] I'm not asking about this. [1:38:12] But to answer your specific question. [1:38:13] Is it proper procedure? [1:38:14] We try to avoid that. [1:38:15] No, it's not proper procedure. [1:38:16] We try to avoid it. [1:38:17] Because you understand it's dangerous, right? [1:38:18] Not just for the driver, but for pedestrians, for other people who could be hit by a car if [1:38:24] a driver is blinded, right? [1:38:25] I 100% understand that, but you're talking about intentional versus not intentional. [1:38:29] I've been in a vehicle in one of these situations. [1:38:31] I'm reclaiming my time. [1:38:32] From the video, this was clearly intentional. [1:38:34] And you know as well as I do that in any other law enforcement agency, if an officer did this, [1:38:39] they would be put on leave, investigated, and likely disciplined. [1:38:44] Were any of your agents ever investigated or disciplined for this incident? [1:38:48] I'll have to get back to you on this incident. [1:38:50] I believe it's still an ongoing investigation. [1:38:52] But we have at least I'd like to show you another video. [1:38:54] This one is from Minneapolis. [1:38:57] So as you can see, the agent sprayed pepper spray at close range directly into the face [1:39:14] of an individual who had already been pinned to the ground by three other agents. [1:39:19] And there's a picture of this behind me to give you a better view. [1:39:22] Is this proper procedure for the use of pepper spray? [1:39:25] I cannot comment on that because you're only showing one piece. [1:39:28] And that subject is clearly not compliant. [1:39:29] Has this agent been investigated? [1:39:31] But this is not the intended use of this weapon, correct? [1:39:35] The intended use is to try to avoid escalating. [1:39:39] It's to de-escalate the situation. [1:39:40] All right. [1:39:40] Well, he was already pinned to the ground by three other agents. [1:39:43] I think he had been de-escalated. [1:39:45] Is there any investigation into this agent for doing this? [1:39:48] I'll get back to you. [1:39:49] There are several open investigations. [1:39:50] All right. [1:39:51] Listen, there has been no accountability in your agency under the Trump administration. [1:39:55] None. [1:39:56] Your agency has repeatedly been caught on tape using unnecessary violence against civilians. [1:40:01] And you can't even tell me if any of these agents have been investigated or disciplined. [1:40:06] You are supposed to be making people safer. [1:40:08] And instead, your agents are being unnecessarily violent. [1:40:11] And that is why the Trump administration has lost the trust of the American people on immigration. [1:40:16] Understand, it's not just the actions of the agents in the field. [1:40:19] It is the lack of accountability from the top that has caused public trust to erode. [1:40:25] And there need to be major reforms before we vote to give any of you any more funding. [1:40:30] Your agencies need to act like other law enforcement agencies. [1:40:34] Take off the masks. [1:40:35] Wear badge numbers. [1:40:36] Enforce discipline with real standards of conduct. [1:40:40] But accountability starts at the top. [1:40:42] Kristi Noem is completely unfit and should be removed from office. [1:40:46] And all of the operations that we just watched were overseen by Commander Gregory Bovino, [1:40:51] who himself engaged in excessive use of force. [1:40:54] He even admitted that he lied to a federal judge when he claimed he had been hit by a rock [1:40:59] prior to throwing tear gas, a tear gas canister at a crowd of civilians. [1:41:04] But then after the footage came out and that turned out to be not true, [1:41:06] he admitted that he had lied about it. [1:41:08] Mr. Scott, what disciplinary action do you plan to take against Mr. Bovino? [1:41:12] I cannot comment on personnel actions on India. [1:41:17] Is there an investigation underway or being considered into Mr. Bovino? [1:41:21] Every allegation and every use of force is fully investigated. [1:41:24] Well, please investigate him. [1:41:26] It goes through a review board. [1:41:27] You need to start enforcing discipline. [1:41:29] The gentleman's time has expired. [1:41:31] I now recognize the gentleman from Alabama, Mr. Strong, for five minutes of questions. [1:41:35] Thank you, Chairman Garbarino, Ranking Member Thompson, [1:41:37] and thank you to all our witnesses for being here today. [1:41:40] Let me start with the simple facts. [1:41:42] The border is now closed. [1:41:44] Fentanyl poisonings are down by more than 35 percent. [1:41:48] I thank each of you for your service to our country. [1:41:51] I remember in April of 23 when then-Secretary Maorkas testified [1:41:57] before this very committee that the U.S. border was, and I quote, [1:42:02] secure, close quote, and not open. [1:42:06] At the same time, under his leadership, illegal alien population surged to over 11 million. [1:42:15] They were coming from more than 160 different countries as migrants were released into our country [1:42:21] by the millions. [1:42:22] That's what the Biden administration, in concert with Secretary Alejandro Maorkas, did to America. [1:42:31] They sold America out. [1:42:33] The consequences of their failures were predictable. [1:42:37] When the United States failed to enforce its border, the winners are not legal immigrants or American communities. [1:42:45] It's the cartels, drug smugglers, human traffickers, and violent criminals. [1:42:51] We didn't need new laws to stop this crisis. [1:42:54] We needed a president willing to enforce the laws already on the books. [1:42:58] President Trump did exactly that. [1:43:01] Another promise made, another promise kept. [1:43:04] And today, the number of illegal aliens being released into our country is zero. [1:43:10] Zero. [1:43:11] That's what it took a president to make the hard decisions. [1:43:14] And America is better because of it. [1:43:17] So my question is straightforward. [1:43:19] Commissioner Scott, was Secretary Maorkas telling the truth when he testified before this committee [1:43:25] that the border was secure? [1:43:27] Consistent with my prior testimony, no, he was not. [1:43:30] As you stated earlier, the underlying immigration laws haven't fundamentally changed in decades. [1:43:36] What has changed is how different administrations choose to enforce these laws, [1:43:43] particularly during the previous administration. [1:43:47] It was 100 percent orchestrated to allow illegal aliens to invade our country under the Biden administration. [1:43:54] From an operational standpoint, how important is consistency and enforcement for deterrence and border control? [1:44:02] It's extremely important. [1:44:04] And we keep talking about immigration, but let me remind people, [1:44:07] border security really is national security. [1:44:09] The cartels use illegal immigration to literally overwhelm law enforcement at the border [1:44:15] and bring in all kinds of other threats. [1:44:17] It's the second wave that always is the most critical. [1:44:19] The interior enforcement sent a message around the world that we're not going to just let you go. [1:44:24] It took away the marketing ability of the cartels to get people to come to the border [1:44:28] and overwhelm law enforcement. [1:44:30] This all works together. [1:44:31] It's critically important because it is national security. [1:44:34] Thank you, Commissioner. [1:44:34] The men and women of DHS deserve our respect and the ability to do their job effectively [1:44:40] without mixed signals from Washington. [1:44:42] I also want to be clear I support the men and women who work every day to secure our borders [1:44:47] and enforce federal immigration laws. [1:44:49] But lately, we've seen growing strain on political rhetoric that goes beyond policy disagreement [1:44:56] and targets the legitimacy of law enforcement itself. [1:44:59] Rhetoric that puts a target on the backs of agents doing their jobs. [1:45:04] Acting Director Lyons, we keep hearing calls from left-wing politicians to abolish ICE. [1:45:11] Some, including many who should know better, have denounced federal law enforcement as secret police. [1:45:18] How would you respond to these reckless attacks? [1:45:22] Sir, I can speak from personal experience. [1:45:24] Having served multiple administrations at the minimum of ICE are out there every day doing the law as it's written. [1:45:32] What are the consequences of not enforcing federal immigration laws? [1:45:36] Sir, if you look at what ICE has done, if you look at the amount of, as I said earlier, [1:45:40] the amount of known and suspected terrorists that we removed from the country, we arrested 1,477 this year and removed 1,480. [1:45:48] Just that impact alone, along with the 7,800 gang members, makes a significant impact on public safety and national security. [1:45:54] Thank you. [1:45:55] Turning to you, Director Ed Lowe, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service plays a role in administering [1:46:02] legal immigration and protecting the integrity of the system. [1:46:06] When immigration enforcement is undermined or treated as illegitimate, how does that affect USCIS's [1:46:13] ability to manage lawful pathways, prevent fraud, and maintain public confidence in the legal immigration process? [1:46:21] It makes it absolutely impossible, Congressman, and that's why we've done everything we can to administer [1:46:25] that system now and to not cut corners that were previously cut during the last administration. [1:46:30] Thank you. [1:46:31] Mr. Chairman, I yield back. [1:46:32] The gentleman yields back. [1:46:33] I now recognize the gentleman from New York, Mr. Goldman. [1:46:36] Five minutes of questions. [1:46:37] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [1:46:38] Mr. Lyons, what guidance have you given to your agents about asking people walking on the [1:46:43] streets of America to show proof of citizenship? [1:46:47] Sir, as I stated earlier, the Men and Women of Vice, Deportations Office of Special Agents, [1:46:52] we conduct targeted intelligence-driven operations. [1:46:55] We don't walk around on the streets asking people about their American citizenship. [1:46:58] Really? [1:46:59] So all of those individual American citizens who have been randomly asked are lying. [1:47:06] Is that what you're saying? [1:47:07] Sir, if the Men and Women of Vice are conducting an investigation, whether it be for Title 18 [1:47:11] immigration enforcement or Title 18 criminal enforcement, they'll ask someone their nationality. [1:47:15] Right. [1:47:15] But that's not targeted because they're asking all sorts of American citizens, including off-duty [1:47:21] law enforcement. [1:47:22] Now, have you directed at any point your agents under the Supreme Court's racial profiling [1:47:29] ruling to only stop non-white people and those who look like immigrants to ask for their citizenship [1:47:37] papers? [1:47:38] No, sir. [1:47:38] I haven't. [1:47:40] Now, you are aware, of course, and there's well-documented, numerous well-documented instances of [1:47:48] people, American citizens, being asked to show and prove their citizenship. [1:47:54] Do you know what other regimes in the 20th century required similar proof of citizenship? [1:48:02] Yes, sir. [1:48:03] What? [1:48:04] Sir, there's various nefarious regimes that did that. [1:48:09] Is Nazi Germany one? [1:48:11] Yes. [1:48:11] But I- [1:48:12] Is the Soviet Union one? [1:48:13] I honestly- [1:48:14] Sir, I'm asking the questions. [1:48:15] Is the Soviet Union one? [1:48:17] Yes, sir. [1:48:17] But I totally- [1:48:18] I totally- [1:48:19] This is the wrong type of question that you can ask me. [1:48:21] No, what's- [1:48:22] I'll tell you what the wrong type of thing is. [1:48:23] But actually, sir, it's my time. [1:48:24] It's my time. [1:48:25] Reclaiming my time, sir. [1:48:27] If you want to go see Nazi Germany, that's what it is. [1:48:30] It's not the men and women of ICE that are out there doing it every day. [1:48:32] So to say that the men and women of ICE- [1:48:34] Mr. Chairman, I'm reclaiming my time. [1:48:36] I would like my time back, please. [1:48:38] Please give me another 15 seconds because he was unnecessarily speaking. [1:48:42] You said in your opening statement that references to ICE as the Gestapo or the secret [1:48:49] police encourages threats against ICE agents. [1:48:53] 100%. [1:48:54] The problem is you have it backwards, sir. [1:48:57] People are simply making valid observations about your tactics, which are un-American [1:49:05] and outright fascist. [1:49:07] So I have a simple suggestion. [1:49:10] If you don't want to be called a fascist regime or secret police, then stop acting like one. [1:49:19] But people are simply just observing what they are seeing. [1:49:24] And that's why people are making those comments. [1:49:27] Now, I was a prosecutor for 10 years. [1:49:30] Prosecuting mob bosses, organized crime, violent criminals, the actual worst of the worst. [1:49:38] Not a single criminal law enforcement agent that I worked with wore a mask to conceal their identity. [1:49:45] But your department, which is a civil law enforcement agency, is defending the use of masks by your agents [1:49:53] because of a so-called rise in threats and assaults against your officer. [1:49:57] Now, you said in your opening testimony that assaults against ICE officers are up by more than 1400%, [1:50:05] which is now even more than the 1300% that your gaslighting spokesperson, [1:50:10] Tricia from Ohio, has recently been citing. [1:50:14] But here's the problem. [1:50:15] There are two separate, very detailed, very thorough investigative reports, [1:50:20] based on your own data, that both conclude that assaults against ICE officers are up about 25%, [1:50:30] which is far less, of course, than you assert, and far less than you would expect from an agency that has more than doubled its hiring, [1:50:40] and has an even greater increase in arrests. [1:50:45] Now, why is that a problem, Mr. Lyons? [1:50:48] It's a problem because the explanation that your agents are wearing masks because of fear of assaults [1:50:58] or doxing is outright bogus. [1:51:03] You and your untrained, unqualified, unvetted, unidentified agents are intentionally terrorizing our cities and [1:51:11] communities all over this country to avoid accountability for their excessive force and their lawless actions. [1:51:21] That is why you're wearing masks. [1:51:24] So no one can hold you accountable. [1:51:27] And you know that the FBI is not going to because notwithstanding all of the investigations all of you [1:51:33] say are going on, the Department of Justice and the FBI has stated they are not investigating those two murders. [1:51:42] This is not the America that I know and love. [1:51:45] This is not the America my immigrants came to. [1:51:48] And it's long past time that you rein in your out-of-control agency and start following the law [1:51:54] and the Constitution, and I yield back. [1:51:56] The gentleman's time has expired. [1:51:58] I now recognize the gentleman from Arizona, Mr. Crane, for five minutes of questions. [1:52:03] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [1:52:04] And it's interesting being in this hearing today, you know, where my Democrat colleagues [1:52:09] continue to demonize ICE and Homeland Security. [1:52:12] I think history and context are very important here. [1:52:16] It's not lost on most of the American public that my Democrat colleagues [1:52:21] actually caused this entire crisis with their open border policies that they all voted for, [1:52:26] letting in close to 15 million illegal aliens. [1:52:29] I also want to go through real quick some numbers of ICE deportations with other presidents [1:52:36] who I believe both you, Mr. Scott, and you, Mr. Lyons, have worked for. [1:52:40] Under President Clinton, 12 million illegal aliens were deported and removed from this country, [1:52:47] some voluntary, some departures. [1:52:49] He, no riots. [1:52:51] Under President Bush, 2 million, no riots. [1:52:55] Obama, who was often referred to as the deporter-in-chief, 5 million, including returns, no riots. [1:53:02] President Trump in his first term, 2 million deported, no riots. [1:53:07] President Biden, 4 million, including expulsions, varying by estimates, no riots. [1:53:12] President Trump again this year, 625,000, with 2 million voluntary, leaving through CBP Home App. [1:53:21] Mr. Scott, can you explain why these other presidents that you work for, both Democrat and Republican, [1:53:28] have deported far more people than this president and we've seen no riots? [1:53:32] I would say it has a lot to do about rhetoric and misleading the American public about what's [1:53:38] really going on and how important border security really is to this nation. [1:53:43] Let's talk also about my Democrat colleagues and something they also supported, and that's these sanctuary cities. [1:53:49] I think that's very important, and I don't think a lot of Americans really understand these sanctuary cities. [1:53:55] Mr. Scott, Mr. Lyons, is it true that you would rather send your officers into a jail to get [1:54:01] some of these illegal alien criminals? [1:54:04] Is it safer for your agents and also the illegal alien criminal if your officers are able to go into [1:54:10] a jail instead of having to go out and find them on the street? [1:54:14] Mr. Lyons, I'll start with you. [1:54:16] Yes, sir, it would be. [1:54:16] You wouldn't see the amount of law enforcement officers involved in immigration operations. [1:54:20] Right. [1:54:20] How about you, Mr. Scott? [1:54:22] I 100% agree with the director, and just as importantly, it would allow me to put more agents [1:54:27] back on the border to prevent people from getting in here in the first place. [1:54:30] Let's also talk about these riots. [1:54:33] Mr. Scott, Mr. Lyons, do you guys remember any riots, you know, for some of these victims [1:54:39] that were assaulted and victimized by illegal alien criminals like Nate Baker, Lakin Riley, [1:54:46] Fletcher Harris, Schuyler Provenza, Ivory Smith? I've got a whole list of them. Do you remember [1:54:53] any riots from our Democrats or their constituents when any of these American citizens were victimized by [1:55:00] illegal alien criminals? [1:55:02] No, sir. No, sir. [1:55:04] Mr. Why do you think that is? Because that's the question that I get asked all the time. [1:55:07] Congressman, why do the Democrats care more about illegal alien criminals [1:55:13] than they care about these American citizens? Many of them who are young, have their entire lives [1:55:18] ahead of them, didn't show up to a protest, right, to obstruct federal law enforcement. They're just [1:55:25] going about their daily lives and they get victimized by people who aren't supposed to be here. [1:55:30] Why do you think they don't care about American citizens? [1:55:32] I cannot speculate, but when I look at the chaos that it creates and the corrosive nature that it creates, [1:55:39] I go beyond the politics of the United States and I look at our nation state adversaries like Iran, [1:55:45] Russia and China and their influence on social media to keep this negative discourse going. [1:55:51] And I think this is a much bigger issue than we're actually admitting that it is in here. [1:55:55] I want to tie this together to something that's very pertinent that's going to happen this week [1:56:00] here in Congress, where the American people are going to see the bookend of what's going on. [1:56:06] We are going to attempt to pass the Save America Act, okay, which requires document documentary proof [1:56:14] of U.S. citizenship to register to vote. It imposes photo ID requirements to vote and it penalizes [1:56:21] officials who do not enforce these requirements. And you won't see you won't see most of these folks [1:56:27] over here on the other side that are demonizing you guys right now. You will not see them support it. [1:56:32] So they let millions and millions of illegal aliens into the country. They set up these [1:56:37] sanctuary cities. So you can't go enforce these federal laws. They're on the books that Congress [1:56:42] has passed. And now they won't vote to stop these illegals from voting in our elections. If the American [1:56:49] people don't understand what this whole thing is about, it's about one word and it always has been, [1:56:56] and that is power. They want power and they need these illegals to vote in our elections. That's why [1:57:03] they don't care about the fraud either because they need those votes as well. Thank you. I yield back. [1:57:07] The gentleman yields back. I now recognize the gentlelady from Illinois, Ms. Ramirez, for five minutes of questions. [1:57:14] Thank you, Chairman. My mother, a Guatemalan immigrant and an American, taught me that I have [1:57:20] the responsibility to look evil in the eye and to fight it back. Mr. Lyon, Mr. Scott, Mr. Edlow, [1:57:31] you have used your power to perpetrate great evil. And it's about time you answered this committee for [1:57:36] the lawlessness that you've empowered and defended in your testimony. Mr. Lyon, I want to start with you. [1:57:43] And I want to talk about ICE. Because under your leadership, ICE has shot and killed Silverio Villegas [1:57:50] Gonzalez and Renee Good violated nearly 100 court orders in January alone. You've used banned chokeholds [1:57:59] in more than 40 cases, engaged in warrantless arrest despite of a consent decree, and you used children [1:58:05] as bait to put 3,800 children in detention. You created traps for people at immigration court who were [1:58:12] following the law and doing it the legal way. And you broke the law by entering into people's homes [1:58:18] without a judicial warrant in violation of the Fourth Amendment. Now, let's talk about you, Mr. Scott, [1:58:24] and CBP next. Under your leadership, CBP has attempted to execute Marimar Martinez, shooting her five times [1:58:35] and not releasing the footage that you should release so that we can see the evidence, murdered Alex [1:58:42] Pruddy, used chemical agents dozens of times in Chicago after a judge ordered you to stop, conducted [1:58:50] warrantless surveillance and racial profiling, and acted with total disrespect and disregard for the law [1:58:57] while engaging in roving patrols, plate switching, dangerous traffic maneuvers, and observer intimidation. [1:59:04] Again, criminals act with that total disregard for the law, and we continue to see it. You would [1:59:10] both have us talk about respect for your mission and your agents, but your agencies are unaccountable, [1:59:16] paramilitary forces, and I have just as much respect for you as I do for the last white men [1:59:22] who put on masks to terrorize communities of color. I have no respect for the inheritors of the clanhood [1:59:29] and the slave patrol. Those activities were immoral then, and criminal, and so are yours. And that brings [1:59:37] me to you, Mr. Edlow, and USCIS. Truly, USCIS is the most disappointing part of this whole panel for me. [1:59:46] Mr. Edlow, let me ask you a question. Is USCIS's mission to uphold America's promise as a nation [1:59:54] of welcome and possibility with fairness, integrity, and respect for all we serve? Yes or no? Is that the mission? [2:00:03] Congresswoman, the mission is to administer the lawful immigration system. [2:00:07] So let me move on. So it is not for the possibility of fairness, integrity, and respect. I get that. [2:00:12] I want to tell you about Stephen, my constituent, Mr. Edlow. Stephen is a 14-year-old with autism [2:00:18] who is seeking asylum. This child has spent 60 days in detention center after he was detained with [2:00:25] his dad at a check-in. Let me ask you this. What kind of agency would strip asylum protections from [2:00:33] children, even those with pending asylum claims, and deport minors without due process? You don't [2:00:39] have to answer that. It's your agency, Mr. Edlow. You are doing that to Stephen, my constituent, [2:00:45] an eighth grader. You have abandoned the mission and allowed USCIS to become a tool in DHS's abusive [2:00:53] enforcement apparatus, Mr. Edlow. It is shameful to see what USCIS has become. As I've said before, DHS, ICE, [2:01:03] and CBP, they're not really rogue. Congress designed DHS to violate our rights under the pretense of [2:01:12] securing our safety. I'm going to say it loud and clear, and I'm proud to stand by what I say. DHS [2:01:19] cannot be reformed. It must be dismantled, and something new must take its place. Because if [2:01:25] we let DHS persist, it will continue to be a weapon that can be pointed at anyone the government [2:01:31] considers the public enemy. And let me tell you, fascism always requires a public enemy. But the [2:01:37] power of the people is stronger than the weapons they would wield against us. So Mr. Lyons, Mr. Scott, [2:01:45] Mr. Edlow, you have weaponized the government. You have supported a fascist enterprise at the expense [2:01:51] of our constitutional rights. You have violated the law. But let me remind you, you will not always be [2:01:58] in power. One day, you will be held accountable for your role in this dark moment in America, [2:02:04] in our nation's history. I guarantee it. And with that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back. [2:02:09] The gentlelady yields back. As I said, the issues we're debating here are important ones that [2:02:15] members feel deeply about. While vigorous disagreement is part of the legislative process, [2:02:20] members are reminded that we must adhere to established standards of decorum and debate. [2:02:24] Witnesses are here today voluntarily, and I will continue to remind members that while oversight is [2:02:29] important, aggressively attacking witnesses personally is inappropriate and not in keeping [2:02:34] with the best traditions of our committee. And I now recognize the gentleman from Oklahoma, Mr. [2:02:41] Burkine, for five minutes of questions. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you to the witnesses. I [2:02:45] want to start with a display over my shoulders. And this is something that is not specific only to [2:02:52] Oklahoma. This is something that every member of this committee, if you will go to the DHS website, [2:02:57] every constituent of every member of Congress, if you're curious of really the dark days, [2:03:04] I want you to go to the DHS website, and I want you to look at those not far from where you live, [2:03:10] moms and dads, the arrest of the illegal aliens who were preying on minors. Just because of a really [2:03:19] intentional act by Kate Bryan on my staff to go a couple weeks ago and look just in eastern Oklahoma, [2:03:24] on the right side of me here, just in eastern Oklahoma, I represent almost all the entirety of [2:03:29] eastern Oklahoma. These are just the individuals, heinous acts to include those with children. And yet, [2:03:36] I want to read you in the wider, to my left over here, what is happening in the state of Oklahoma. [2:03:44] This person was picked up. Angel Nick, sexual exploitation of a minor. Renton Andrew, [2:03:50] molestation of a minor. Chan Truding, child fondling. Julisano Garcia, enticement of a minor. [2:03:59] Catano Lopez, statutory rape. Rosmo Avila, rape and lewd acts with a minor. So for everyone who is in short-term [2:04:09] memory, it's the way things operate in the court of public opinion. Everyone is looking, and you're [2:04:15] forgetting the conversations you were having two and three years ago. If you had teenage kiddos wanting [2:04:21] to go outside of your home, and you knew that they were going to go to Dallas, Texas, or some city, [2:04:27] and you knew that you had to have a conversation with them with what was happening, the 15 million you [2:04:31] knew were in the country illegally, that you had no idea what they would be doing, who would they be [2:04:36] be preying upon. And moms and dads, don't you feel just a little bit safer if we're going to be gut [2:04:41] level honest? That's the realization of what the generational opportunity this administration has [2:04:48] afforded this country. It's the ability to feel safe over the madness of opening the border for that [2:04:55] four-year period that allowed 15 million people. You don't know where they came from. You don't know [2:04:59] their background. You don't know their history. And this that is occurring right now is designed to [2:05:07] make sure we have law and order in this country. If you do not have law and order, you don't have [2:05:13] prosperity. So to to all those who are second guessing the reactionary moments to the law [2:05:20] enforcement who have to respond in real time, the quarterback who's questions Monday is question [2:05:27] Monday morning because he's facing the 300 pound defensive lineman, it's easy to do that. But law [2:05:33] enforcement walks out of their home every day and is faced with life or death questions. And we have [2:05:40] to understand they are the ones who are affording us the opportunity for our children to feel safe [2:05:44] against these that are in your backyard. It's not just in the north. It's not just in in Minneapolis. [2:05:51] It's not just in Minnesota. They're in every state in the country. Go to the Department of Homeland [2:05:55] Security website and Google your area and look at who's being picked up in your backyard. That's how we [2:06:02] recenter this conversation to truth. I want your children protected. I am grateful for this president who wants [2:06:10] your children protected and in administration. The same playbook is happening now to create chaos and [2:06:20] take your eye off. The real goal was just to secure our communities to get back to back to a place of [2:06:25] safety. Mr. Lyons, can you describe because of not allowing these people to stay in jails, these sanctuary [2:06:32] cities are letting them go thousands released from jail because they will not cooperate with ICE. [2:06:37] And when ICE tries to execute a detainer, asks them to hold a criminal illegal alien for potential [2:06:42] deportation, how is this compared with other non-sanctuary city regions in the country? [2:06:48] Sir, it's night and day. With the jurisdictions that we do have cooperation, we're able to take that [2:06:54] individual in a safe, secure environment. Not only is it safe, secure environment for the officers and [2:06:58] agents, but it's also for the individual and the community because we only need one to two offices to [2:07:02] make that arrest. Where now we're historically five or six, we need up to 15. [2:07:08] From what you've seen in terms of protests in Minnesota and elsewhere, do you get the sense [2:07:11] these agitators are trying to provoke your agents into reactions? [2:07:15] Yes, sir. Can you expound upon that? [2:07:18] We've seen multiple times and unfortunately, we saw like the shooting in Dallas where agitated groups [2:07:23] use apps to identify the location of ICE officers, sometimes prior to even the law enforcement action [2:07:28] begins. And sometimes using those apps, put the officers and as well as other federal agencies [2:07:34] and local agencies with them in danger because it exposes the fact of where a law enforcement [2:07:38] operation is happening. Mr. Scott, can you describe how the 300,000 children, the UACs, unaccompanied [2:07:43] minors that we're trying to find them, how these protests are stopping us from being able to recover [2:07:48] those? The gentleman will respond in writing to that question. I now recognize the gentleman from [2:07:53] New York, Mr. Kennedy, for five minutes. Thank you. Mr. Lyons, your written testimony [2:07:58] today does not make one single mention of Renee Nicole Good or Alex Preddy, not one. Two American [2:08:06] citizens have been murdered at the hands of your agency, and you have deliberately chosen under [2:08:11] oath before Congress to ignore these tragedies. And so today in my five minutes, I look forward to [2:08:18] getting the American people some answers and some accountability that I believe they deserve. [2:08:24] Mr. Lyons, I have some simple yes or no questions. Do you believe the U.S. Constitution provides due process [2:08:32] for everyone in this country? Yes. Do you believe American citizens have the right [2:08:38] to protest freely without being assaulted or killed by our government? Yes. Do you believe there should [2:08:45] be an independent investigation when an innocent person is killed by a law enforcement agency in [2:08:51] this country? Yes. Do you believe your agency has a legal obligation to follow court orders? Yes. [2:09:00] Well, Mr. Lyons, you have a very strange way of showing it with a federal judge finding that your agency [2:09:06] is in violation of 96 orders in one month alone, and that's just Minneapolis, Minnesota. This [2:09:16] administration and the agencies represented before us have shown a complete and utter disregard [2:09:21] for the law and the Constitution. Renee Nicole Good and Alex Preddy, both American citizens, both dead at [2:09:29] the hands of federal agents. Alex Preddy was a VA ICU nurse who dedicated his life to healing people, [2:09:37] healing veterans. I worked as an occupational therapist for over a decade. In that video [2:09:45] that we've all seen, it was Alex Preddy who was doing what healthcare workers do, what nurses do. [2:09:55] They help people, help people who are hurting, help people who are in trouble. In this case, [2:10:01] helping a fellow peaceful protester who was shoved to the ground right before your agents shot him 10 [2:10:12] times. And we're now learning that FBI Director Cash Patel stopped the U.S. Attorney's Office in [2:10:18] Minnesota from investigating the death of Ms. Good because of fear that an investigation would [2:10:23] contradict President Trump's falsehoods that she violently, willfully, and viciously ran down an agent. [2:10:30] Six federal prosecutors resigned rather than participate in a cover-up. Kristi Noem, Stephen Miller, and you, [2:10:39] Mr. Lyons, have appointed yourselves judge, jury, and executioner, allowing American citizens to be [2:10:46] gunned down in our streets with impunity. We all know the President is a liar. He's sold snake oil his [2:10:54] entire life, but he can't tell us and the American people that we did not see with our own eyes what we [2:11:02] saw in that video. Two Americans shot dead in cold blood. The American people aren't stupid like he thinks we [2:11:10] are. The fact that our government murders American citizens, lies about it, and then refuses to [2:11:17] investigate or seek justice is beyond abhorrent. It's un-American. Mr. Lyons, in America we shouldn't [2:11:24] have secret police. We shouldn't have masked government agents executing citizens in the streets. [2:11:31] The Constitution does not give your agency the right to hide their faces while they kill Americans. [2:11:38] Will you commit, yes or no, to immediately unmasking every agent conducting immigration [2:11:45] enforcement and requiring them to wear standard uniforms with identifiable badges? No. [2:11:51] Well, that's a sad response. Your answer is completely unacceptable. People who are proud of [2:11:58] what they do aren't hiding their identity. We're a nation of laws, and you, your boss, Secretary Noem, [2:12:08] and Donald Trump are not above the law. The American people are angry, and they're demanding [2:12:14] accountability and justice from those giving the orders. Mr. Lyons, yes or no, do you believe [2:12:19] that Secretary Noem should resign? I'm not going to comment on that, sir. [2:12:26] Sir, you're going to look the families of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Preddy in the eye and tell [2:12:30] them Secretary Noem should keep her job after their loved ones were killed? Sir, the loss of any life [2:12:38] is unacceptable. In the heart, my heart, prayers and thoughts go out to anyone who tragically [2:12:44] loses his life, especially a child, since I've suffered personal loss in my life. But I'm not [2:12:50] going to comment on an ongoing investigation. Well, Mr. Lyons, the American people are watching. [2:12:54] Your unwillingness to demand accountability from your own leadership speaks volumes to American [2:12:59] citizens. The gentleman's time is expired. The American people, the gentleman's time is expired. [2:13:03] Members are reminded that we must adhere to established standards of decorum and debate. [2:13:09] It is a clear violation of the rules of the House to make statements that might be personally [2:13:13] offensive to the President or the Vice President of the United States. I now recognize a gentle lady [2:13:18] from South Carolina, Ms. Biggs, for five minutes of questions. Thank you, Chairman Garbarino, [2:13:24] and thank you to our witnesses. A big thank you for what you do each and every day to secure our border [2:13:31] and to carry out the will of the American people. You know, this Trump administration and the CBP and [2:13:38] ICE, they've done a stellar job of securing our border. And we can just look at the numbers. [2:13:45] They tell the facts. Crossings are down from a high of over 300,000 a month under President Biden [2:13:52] to around 10,000 a month under President Trump. However, the lax border policies of the Democrats [2:14:00] have flooded our country with tens of millions of illegal immigrants. This invasion was facilitated [2:14:08] by sanctuary cities. Most cities will hand over criminal aliens with a deportation order to ICE, [2:14:18] but sanctuary cities refuse to do so, often releasing them back into the public around our communities, [2:14:26] our children and making it unsafe. Cities like Minneapolis pick and choose which laws they [2:14:33] want to enforce. And by doing that, they place our federal law enforcement in danger, forcing ICE agents [2:14:40] to make arrests out in public, something that could be avoided if sanctuary cities simply cooperated with [2:14:47] the federal law. At the same time, radical leftists have stirred hysteria over routine immigration enforcement, [2:14:56] calling immigration officers the secret police and even the Gustavo. Let me be very clear. This rhetoric [2:15:05] has consequences. Between 2024 and 2025, we saw a more than 16,000 percent increase in threats of assault [2:15:15] against immigration officers and over 8,000 percent spike in death threats targeting those who enforce our laws. [2:15:25] In Minnesota alone, there have been over 60 threats and 20 assaults to ICE officers. Just think about [2:15:34] that if you were going to work every day and had to deal with that. Sanctuary cities, they choose criminals [2:15:41] over citizens. My bill, the Mobilizing Against Sanctuary Cities Act, would cut off every single federal dollar to [2:15:51] any city that helps illegals instead of law enforcement. Mr. Lyons, my question is to you. [2:15:59] Why should taxpayers fund far-left politicians who put your agents at risk? [2:16:07] Ma'am, unfortunately, what we've seen over and over is just the fact that there's so much rhetoric out [2:16:12] there against the work the men and women of ICE have done. Again, going back in my career, this is my second [2:16:18] decade, multiple administrations, and it's never been like this. And the actual public safety impact [2:16:25] that the men and women of ICE do every day is significant, and it should still be true for all 50 [2:16:31] states. Thank you. So I want to take it a little closer to home. What's happening in my district, [2:16:37] the 3rd District of South Carolina, it should alarm every single individual. These are real crimes [2:16:45] committed by individuals illegally in our country, right here in our communities, confirmed by the [2:16:51] Department of Homeland Security. We heard a little bit from my colleagues earlier. So let me just give [2:16:56] you a few of the worst. Vehicular homicide, child cruelty and indecent exposure, armed robbery, assaulting [2:17:05] a police officer with a weapon, and making terrorist threats. And I could go on and on. We're also seeing [2:17:13] convictions for drug trafficking, burglary, forgery, repeated illegal reentry, and more and more. And [2:17:20] this is what I consider chaos. And it's the direct result of open border policies that put American [2:17:27] lives at risk. But amid all of this, we're seeing true heroes step up. Our federal immigration officers [2:17:35] are on the front lines of securing safety and prosperity for us and for our children. They've been [2:17:41] given a difficult task, but they are they are up to the job and certainly meeting the demands. We stand [2:17:48] behind our immigration officers and their historic mission to restore the rule of law to the United [2:17:56] States. And right here at home, our local law enforcement is rising to meet the challenge. And I'm [2:18:02] very grateful to them. So just look at Anderson County Sheriff's Department, which you'll see in the photo [2:18:08] behind me, which recently seized 180 pounds of cocaine. That's 180 pounds of deadly drugs that will never [2:18:18] reach our streets, thanks to the courage and commitment. So I just want to say thank you. And I'm [2:18:25] grateful for the job that you do. [2:18:28] Gentlelady yields back. I now recognize the gentlelady from New Jersey, Ms. MacGyver, for five minutes of questions. [2:18:34] Thank you, Mr. Chairman and ranking member. Mr. Lyons, as the senior official lead in ICE enforcement, [2:18:41] much of today's scrutiny falls on you and it should. You have seen repeatedly, we have seen repeatedly [2:18:48] that Republicans, Trump administration, its DHS and your agency will do absolutely anything to avoid [2:18:55] answering for your actions. When I showed up to inspect Delaney Hall, a private prison that you contract with, [2:19:03] ICE tried not to give us an oversight tour. Then instead of taking accountability for ICE's attempts [2:19:10] to keep us from seeing this facility's conditions to know if people's basic rights were being upheld, [2:19:16] this administration is doing all they can to try to put me in prison for 17 years. When ICE shot and [2:19:22] killed Renee Good, Kristi Noem called her a domestic terrorist. When Alex Preddy, you all tried to tell us, [2:19:29] he was threatening officers with a gun, but all we saw was a phone. This administration's clear [2:19:35] lies fell apart, not because someone had a come to Jesus moment, but because we saw these murders from [2:19:41] every angle. You are only here because public outrage has become so unavoidable. You are here, Mr. Lyons, [2:19:49] because white people are getting shot in the face and chest when the cameras are rolling. Because now [2:19:57] my Republican colleagues care about optics. But when Keith Porter Jr., a black American citizen, a son, [2:20:04] a father and a man loved by many was killed by an off duty ICE agent on New Year's Eve, there were no [2:20:11] hearings. So this is for him today. In my district, John Wilson Brutus, a Haitian immigrant, a beloved [2:20:18] family man, died within 24 hours of being in ICE custody. He is just one of more than 30 people [2:20:26] who have died in ICE custody last year. This is for all of them. Every human being your rogue, [2:20:33] out-of-control agency has hurt, hunted down, imprisoned, killed, and continued to hold hostage [2:20:41] even after they have agreed to be deported. We know this administration doesn't care about [2:20:47] protecting people or sparing lives. We all see so plainly what you are doing, what you have been [2:20:53] doing to black and brown folks, immigrants, people silenced in the shadows, now in broad daylight to [2:21:00] people peacefully rejecting your cruel agenda in the streets. Which is their right to do? This is the [2:21:07] despicable or predictable result of an agency that laughs at oversight, receives billions to deploy [2:21:14] lethal force on our neighborhoods and seems to believe that they are above the law and should [2:21:20] be without accountability. This administration believes it can act first, explain later, or hell, [2:21:27] never explain at all, as we see here today. You all seem to think you are the highest power who decides [2:21:34] which people deserve dignity, protection, and due process. But you are wrong. We are here for answers. [2:21:43] We are here for accountability. And we are here because people are dying. Let me repeat that. [2:21:49] People are dying. And you don't seem to care. So, Mr. Lyons, I've heard my colleagues ask many [2:21:56] questions over and over again and you cannot answer them. So let me ask you some questions that you may [2:22:02] be able to answer. Mr. Lyons, do you consider yourself a religious man? Yes, ma'am. Oh, yes. Okay, [2:22:09] well, how do you think Judgment Day will work for you with so much blood on your hands? I'm not going [2:22:16] to entertain that question. Oh, okay, of course not. Do you think you're going to hell, Mr. Lyons? [2:22:19] I'm not going to end. Of course not. The gentle lady will suspend. The gentle lady will suspend. [2:22:26] Chairman. A gentle lady will suspend. As I said, the issues we're debating here are important to ones [2:22:31] that members feel deeply about. Thank you. While vigorous disagreement is part of the legislative [2:22:36] process, members are reminded that we must adhere to established standards of decorum and debate. [2:22:40] The witnesses are here voluntarily. And I will continue to remind members that while oversight [2:22:46] is important, aggressively attacking those witnesses personally is inappropriate and not [2:22:52] in keeping with the traditions of our committee. Mr. Chairman, I'm just asking a question. You all, [2:22:56] you guys are always talking about religion here in the Bible. I mean, it's okay for me to ask a question, [2:23:01] right? But let me continue on. I got your notes. All right. The gentle lady may resume. Thank you so much. [2:23:05] Let me get back to my question, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. I appreciate you. How many government [2:23:10] agency, Mr. Lyons, are you aware of that routinely kill American citizens and you still get funding? [2:23:16] Ma'am, I'm not going to entertain that. Of course you're not. Exactly. Exactly. Once again, [2:23:20] questions that you cannot answer. And that is exactly why, Mr. Chairman, and to this committee, [2:23:25] to my colleagues and to my colleagues across the aisle, this is exactly why we should not be funding [2:23:29] this agency. The people are watching you. They are watching you. And this is why we need to [2:23:35] abolish ICE. With that, I yield back. Thank you kindly. Gentle lady yields back. I now recognize [2:23:42] a gentleman from Colorado, Mr. Evans, for five minutes of questions. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, [2:23:47] ranking member, for this important hearing. This past year has been historic for national security, [2:23:51] thanks to the joint work between the agencies present today and our Republican colleagues. [2:23:56] The big, beautiful bill unlocked billions of dollars to finally secure the border and deliver much [2:24:01] needed support for law enforcement officials who keep us safe every day, slashing things like the [2:24:07] scourge of overdose deaths that claimed approximately 400,000 lives under the previous administration. [2:24:13] And this is despite increasing violence against federal officers, which has been inspired by fear [2:24:18] mongering from the Democrats. As a soldier for 12 years, as a cop for 10 years, and as the only Latino in [2:24:24] Colorado's delegation, it's been my longstanding position that, with a secure border, we must use [2:24:30] all available resources to target the worst of the worst, violent offenders like murderers and rapists, [2:24:36] and so-called nonviolent like drug dealers and thieves and child porn producers. Get the gangsters, [2:24:41] not the grandmas. Director Lyons, is ICE's priority the apprehension and removal of criminal [2:24:49] non-citizens rather than the broader population of illegally present individuals? [2:24:53] Yes, sir. ICE's continued focus is on the criminal aliens that are in our neighborhoods. [2:24:59] Thank you. Unfortunately, Democrats in my state and Colorado champion soft-on-crime [2:25:05] sanctuary policies at the state level and in cities like Denver, which borders my district. [2:25:09] These policies not only impede federal investigations that target cartels, [2:25:14] gangbangers, entities like Tren de Aragua, MS-13, the Sinaloa cartel, [2:25:19] but they also endanger our communities by releasing dangerous criminals back into the streets who [2:25:24] continue to traffic drugs, steal cars, intimidate families, and recruit children. In fact, [2:25:30] fentanyl overdose rates in Denver are going up in 2025. It's common sense that when local or state [2:25:37] police arrest an individual for a crime, those officers should be able to obtain basic information [2:25:42] information about the arrestee, and those state and local officers should then be allowed to share [2:25:47] information with federal law enforcement to communicate threats, honor detainer requests, [2:25:53] and work together to ensure national security and public safety. So, Director Lyons, can you please [2:25:59] explain how ICE works around sanctuary policies to go after the worst of the worst? And do these sanctuary [2:26:07] policies that release criminals back into the community increase or decrease ICE's presence in [2:26:15] the community and the temperature of the interactions that ICE has with the community? [2:26:19] Sir, when we deal with sanctuary jurisdictions, we do have to have more law enforcement officers [2:26:24] in the street. Like I said earlier in my testimony, we'd much rather have the chance to take an [2:26:29] aggravated felon, repeat DUI offender into custody at a prison, local jail, or some type of lockup [2:26:38] environment where it's safer for my officers and for not only the individual but that community as [2:26:43] well. And then given the opportunity to take that person into custody before that person can reoffend. [2:26:49] Unfortunately, as a field office director, when I ran the Boston field office, we saw too many times [2:26:53] that we placed a detainer on a sexual assault individual who just went out later after the detainer [2:27:00] was dropped to rape again. And that is why we need cooperation at all levels, especially the local and state. [2:27:07] Thank you. Director Lyons, my district, 40 percent Hispanic, it's full of successful business owners [2:27:13] and strong immigrant families. Unfortunately, my colleagues across the aisle are fanning the flames [2:27:19] of fear for their own political gain in my Hispanic communities, scaring people over events that haven't [2:27:25] happened in my district. So I'd like for you for just a brief moment to speak directly to my constituents, [2:27:31] who are legally present in the U.S., not criminals, but who are fearful of being searched or detained via [2:27:37] immigration efforts. Should they fear ICE? And what policies does ICE have to prevent the seizure [2:27:43] of people with legal status? Sir, ICE officers and special agents are trained in immigration nationality, [2:27:50] so anyone that is here legally or lawfully or a U.S. citizen should not be concerned about being deported [2:27:56] or detained. Unfortunately, many times there are individuals that are with criminal legal aliens. [2:28:02] And sir, as you being a former law enforcement officer, you know, you arrive on a scene, you ID [2:28:07] everyone in that case. If, you know, if we're looking for an individual and someone is here present [2:28:12] in the country legally, then we're going to take action. We're not going to turn a blind eye no more. [2:28:16] But someone that's in the country lawfully should not feel scared to walk down the street driving. [2:28:22] Thank you. Sorry. Sorry. I got 23 seconds left. I have one thing that I want to ask. As a cop, [2:28:28] if I had an arrest warrant, there's a difference between arrest warrants and search warrants. If I [2:28:31] had an arrest warrant for an individual and I thought they were in the house, or if I was assisting [2:28:35] social services with a child removal, I still had to have an arrest warrant to go in the house. [2:28:40] So I have many questions about the memo saying that you don't need a warrant to go into the house. Will [2:28:45] you commit with me at a later date to discuss this? 100 cents, sir. I would look forward to [2:28:49] sitting down and discussing that. Yield back. Gentleman yields back. I now recognize the gentle [2:28:55] lady from Texas, Ms. Johnson, for five minutes of questions. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would [2:29:00] like to, Mr. Lyons, I wanted to just follow up on a statement that you just made, which is that [2:29:07] if you're here legally and lawfully, you should not worry. I think the problem is there are many, [2:29:13] many immigrants that are here legally and lawfully that are very worried because they have been [2:29:19] snatched off the streets. They have had their face beat in by ICE agents. They've been yanked out of [2:29:25] their car. They've been driven around and harassed. And so that is, I think, at the end of the day, [2:29:33] you know, the key nut of the crux here, which is that, unfortunately, there is not just this focus [2:29:39] on criminals and the people who are here in legal status. And for example, I have an example of this [2:29:45] that I'd like to highlight for you. And back in October, Maher Terabishi, a North Texas resident, [2:29:51] who was allowed to be in this country legally and was under a supervision order to check in on an [2:29:57] annual basis since 2008. And he did that because he had an adult disabled son. And so he was here [2:30:05] working as an IT consultant and was here in the legal process to take care of his adult legal son. [2:30:11] He went to check into his appointment. It so happened to be at the time that the Dallas ICE [2:30:15] office was closed due to the shooting. And so he was not able to check in. When he went back to check [2:30:21] in, he was immediately snatched up and detained because he missed his appointment. That was [2:30:26] unavoidable because the office was closed. He told everyone here he was in legal status. He had been here [2:30:32] since 2008. And he had an adult disabled son that would likely pass away if he was not released. [2:30:38] He was not released. His son died. And then to complicate it, he was not allowed to go and [2:30:44] attend the funeral. And he's still in detention in the Bluebonnet facility in Texas. He is not a [2:30:51] criminal. He has no criminal history. He was here legally. That is an unacceptable outcome. And I [2:30:57] would like to know if you are willing to review his case and help us get his release because he should [2:31:02] not be in the Bluebonnet detention facility under these facts. [2:31:05] Yes, ma'am. I'm committed to review in that case for you. [2:31:08] I appreciate that. The other issue that I am really very concerned about is these warrantless [2:31:16] entries into people's homes. It is a problem that is of epic proportion. There was just recently, [2:31:23] yesterday, circulation. A Latino family ICE just broke into their home without a warrant. And there was [2:31:31] an example where they arrested a man in his pajamas who had every right to be here as a U.S. citizen. [2:31:37] But wrongfully snatched out in the freezing cold without a warrant to do so. The problem that we're [2:31:42] having, nobody wants to see attacks on ICE agents, sir. But this is something I have brought up in this [2:31:47] committee time and time again. Which is, unfortunately, under your leadership and under Secretary Noem's [2:31:54] leadership, this rogue brutality that ICE agents are inflicting upon the people of this country is not [2:32:00] being reined in. It's not being, the agents who are abusing their power are not being held accountable. [2:32:07] I'm sure that there are many, many fine agents who are doing everything they can to exercise their [2:32:13] duty lawfully. But the problem is there are agents who are not. And the power that they have has gone [2:32:19] to their head. And they use that power unconstitutionally in violation of many people's direct [2:32:26] constitutional rights. And what you're seeing in this country is the fact that your agency, [2:32:31] you're not, it's not stopping. And rather than saying, yes, we're going to take steps to keep [2:32:38] these people who are abusing their power and who are terrorizing citizens of this country wrongfully, [2:32:43] that we're going to hold them accountable. Rather than have, well, that's what we want to see. [2:32:47] You're doubling down on that we're only going after criminals, which is, in your own comments, [2:32:53] you said that you had 397, I think that's right, 379,000 arrests. But only 8,700 of them were [2:33:02] suspected gang members or known suspected terrorists. That's 2%. And the problem is we can't terrorize [2:33:09] 98% of the people in this country that have been wrongfully detained for 2%. That's not how the system [2:33:18] works. And that is not okay. And so we have to do a better job. And so what procedures are you [2:33:26] putting in place to hold agents accountable who clearly have a hot trigger and who clearly abuse [2:33:35] their authority because someone has a phone and a whistle? [2:33:39] Ma'am, ICE does have the Office of Professional Responsibility. It's a robust internal investigation [2:33:44] agency that does investigate allegations of special agent or deportation officer misconduct. And we do [2:33:51] take everyone seriously and we do investigate those. [2:33:54] Well, those are not being publicly reported. And so that's where there's a huge breach of the public [2:33:58] trust because there does not appear to be any accountability, sir. Thank you. And I'll yield back. [2:34:03] General Lady yields back. I now recognize the gentleman from Pennsylvania, Mr. McKenzie, [2:34:08] for five minutes of questions. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I appreciate all of our testifiers [2:34:12] being here today. Before I begin, I would like to thank all of our members of law enforcement [2:34:17] across the country who work every day to keep our communities safe and also to their families [2:34:23] that sacrifice. We know that it's a challenging job and the environment is made particularly challenging [2:34:29] by those who want to oppose our law enforcement from carrying out their lawful duties to keep everybody [2:34:35] in our country and our community safe. As was discussed earlier, there are a couple areas that were [2:34:43] I think it's appropriate to discuss potential reforms and the way that we can improve our government [2:34:48] operations. DHS guidance indicates that ICE does not arrest or detain U.S. citizens. On the other hand, [2:34:54] social media is full of reports and accusations that this is occurring. As you know, any accusation [2:35:01] that an American citizen's rights are violated is very serious. Can you clarify, Mr. Lyons, [2:35:07] whether this is something that it occurs and what are the circumstances where a U.S. citizen might be [2:35:13] detained and what steps does ICE take to prevent mistakes? Yes, sir. I appreciate the question. [2:35:18] Well, unfortunately, there's a misnomer that ICE is just a civil enforcement agency and that's completely [2:35:25] wrong. ICE enforces over 400 criminal statutes as well. Special agents, especially with the Homeland Security [2:35:31] investigations, they're consistently out there doing human trafficking cases, drug cases, [2:35:37] terrorism cases. We do encounter U.S. citizens and those who do commit federal crimes are arrested. [2:35:42] But under Title VIII, no U.S. citizen is subject to civil immigration enforcement and that just [2:35:47] doesn't happen. There are multiple safeguards in that way and if a U.S. citizen is detained in the [2:35:54] course of an immigration investigation, they're quickly released. We don't take action on American [2:35:59] citizens. If it does occur where a U.S. citizen is detained during the course of another investigation, [2:36:06] how is that documented and conveyed to the public about the fact that this did occur and what the [2:36:11] circumstances around that were? So, sir, if you say it's a separate investigation, if it comes to a [2:36:16] criminal case, obviously a lot of those are on the seal or ongoing investigations. We won't expose that. [2:36:23] But we're transparent in the case when it comes to any U.S. citizens that's detained in any law [2:36:29] enforcement operations that subsequently arrested. I appreciate that. I think greater transparency [2:36:34] could be beneficial for both the American public and everybody involved here if we clearly articulate [2:36:40] what occurred in many of these instances. I've seen it myself when I'm looking into local issues in our [2:36:46] community. There are oftentimes two sides of the story and when it is actually conveyed what did [2:36:51] occur and why it occurred, there's a greater understanding in our local community of the law enforcement [2:36:56] activities that occurred. The second thing I would like to hit on is jurisdictions which are sometimes [2:37:02] referred to sanctuary cities. Not a clear definition as we all know, but local authorities in our community, [2:37:09] we have Northampton County, which does not honor ICE detainer requests for 48 hours [2:37:15] and properly convey to ICE and law enforcement about the release of that individual, when that may occur, [2:37:24] or even during that detainer period, allow ICE to come onto their property to make an arrest in a [2:37:30] secure facility. Obviously that leaves our community in a vulnerable position. In our case, members of [2:37:38] Trende Aragua domestic abusers have been released onto the street and ICE had to stake out that location, [2:37:44] making the arrests in an unsecure way out in the local community. From your perspective, how does this [2:37:51] dynamic affect public safety and day-to-day operations and where or how can we change and [2:37:57] improve the coordination between ICE and state and local partners? Thank you, sir. Again, I know what I [2:38:03] would say is just very basic communication would go a long way for public safety. You know ICE respects [2:38:09] and abides by state and municipality laws, or well, or sometimes you can't hold for any reasons. But a [2:38:16] simple phone call to let us know that that individual is going to be released, or if that [2:38:20] individual is released, sharing that biographical data with us will go a long way. Because the last thing [2:38:25] we want is a criminal legal alien to go back into the community. And more often than not, they prey upon [2:38:32] other migrants who are coming here for a better life, yet that they can hide in plain sight, [2:38:37] because these sanctuary jurisdictions won't just pick up a phone, notify ICE that they're being [2:38:42] re-relisted. Well, I appreciate that. I think we want full cooperation between our local law enforcement [2:38:47] and federal agents. When they are trying to do their job, if somebody is on a detainer, they should be [2:38:52] allowed onto that property. Given the ability within that detainer window to make a lawful arrest, I think [2:38:57] it would go a long way to keeping our community safe. I would like to thank all of you again for being [2:39:02] here. The fact that you are here and present for this kind of testimony, I think, brings greater [2:39:07] accountability and increases the ability for us to make reforms in Congress. Thank you again. [2:39:11] The gentleman yields back. I now recognize the gentlelady from New Jersey, Ms. Poe, for five minutes [2:39:17] of questions. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and to our ranking member, Thompson. Gentlemen, thank you so very [2:39:23] much for being here. Let me just be clear. Secretary Noem must step down or be impeached by the House, [2:39:31] period. The lawlessness, the cruelty, the outright viciousness that she has created has destroyed an [2:39:40] agency whose very mission is to protect our country. Under Noem's leadership, congressional oversight is [2:39:50] ignored, detention visits are blocked, due process is ignored, and laws are broken without thought. [2:39:59] This is the first time any of you have testified before our committee. It took two American citizens [2:40:07] being murdered in cold blood to get you to show up. ICE raids schools, churches, and hospitals. And let's [2:40:17] not forget five-year-old Liam Ramos. You used him as a bait and then detained him despite his father's [2:40:26] legally, his father legally seeking asylum. Liam is the face of your cruelty. My district is one of the most [2:40:36] ethic, ethnically diverse in America. Our diversity is our strength, but somehow you all seem to believe [2:40:45] it's a weakness. Last fall, the Supreme Court green-lit ICE's ability to yank people off the street based on [2:40:54] one thing such as, quote, the type of work one does, speaking Spanish or speaking with an accent, [2:41:03] and their apparent race or ethnicity. Mr. Lyons, I speak Spanish. [2:41:10] If I wasn't wearing my member pin, would me being a Latina or speaking Spanish be enough for ICE agents [2:41:22] to harass me or shove me into one of your unmarked cars? No, ma'am. I speak for all of us when I say [2:41:31] that I think we know the real answer to this. These are the realities traumatizing my constituents. [2:41:40] We know that ICE is transferring New Jersey detainees to other states like Texas, ripping them from their [2:41:49] families and leaving them unable to challenge their detention. Mr. ICE, yes or no? I'm sorry, Mr. Lyons, [2:41:57] yes or no? Will you provide us with the list of people ICE has transferred from New Jersey to other [2:42:04] states so that I can inform their families where they are? Yes, ma'am. These are people like my [2:42:13] constituent, Lee Kau Cordilla, whose ICE shipped to Texas and continues to detain despite two judicial [2:42:30] orders compelling her release. Over the weekend, Lee Kau was hospitalized for 72 hours while her [2:42:41] family had no idea where she was at nor the status of her condition. Mr. Lyons, would you be willing to [2:42:50] look into this to make sure to release my constituent? Why have we failed? Why have you failed to inform her [2:42:59] family where she was sent and the status of her condition? When will she be freed? Yes, ma'am. You [2:43:07] have my commitment that I'll look into that. Thank you. Now soon, Mr. Lyons and all of you, my district will [2:43:15] host the World Cup matches and hundreds of thousands of visitors will come. Visitors confident, [2:43:23] confidence is plummering and jeopardizing the World Cup. Mr. Lyons, will ICE commit, will you commit [2:43:32] to ensure that pausing its operations and raise at FIFA matches and other FIFA sanctioned public events? [2:43:42] Ma'am, ICE, specifically Homeland Security Investigations, is a key part of the overall security [2:43:47] apparatus for the World Cup. We're dedicated to securing that operation and we're dedicated to [2:43:53] the security of all our participants as well as visitors. You realize that if they feel that they're [2:43:59] going to be wrongfully incarcerated, wrongfully pulled out, that's going to hurt this entire process. [2:44:07] I hope you realize that. Yes, ma'am. And ICE is dedicated to ensuring that everyone that visits the [2:44:12] facilities will have a safe and secure event. Without these assurances, our local communities [2:44:18] and national reputations will indeed be suffered. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I yield back. [2:44:24] Gentlelady yields back. I now recognize the gentleman from North Carolina, Mr. Knott, [2:44:28] for five minutes of questions. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Using the trope, [2:44:31] diversity is our strength, as an excuse for lawlessness, is unbelievably naive and dangerous. [2:44:38] Nobody in this room would say that diversity is a bad thing. Lawlessness is a bad thing. Law and order [2:44:44] is much more of our strength than open-bordered policies that welcomes anybody with no vetting. [2:44:50] And when you get down to the nuts and bolts of this issue, we would not be having this hearing if the [2:44:55] Democrats attacked illegal immigration with the same vigor that they're attacking law enforcement and the [2:45:00] men at this table. That's a fact. And it's worth noting that the dishonesty in framing these issues [2:45:07] has been unbelievably obvious. It's been consistent. And just to, as an anecdote, Mr. Lyons, [2:45:14] was Liam used as bait by your agency? No, sir. Actually, law enforcement officers took care of the [2:45:21] child after the father abandoned him. Walk us through what that means. So, sir, the individual [2:45:27] that I was driving that vehicle with Liam who was in fled from the scene from the officers. Officers, [2:45:31] uh, he was obviously upset. We comforted him. The officers actually placed him in one of our [2:45:36] vehicles, played his favorite song, favorite music. Then they took him to McDonald's. You all got him [2:45:41] McDonald's. So you all did not abduct him. You did not use him as bait. Any characterization of that is [2:45:47] a lie. And it has been repeated over and over by the Democrats to frame your agency. You know, [2:45:54] it's worth noting again that the Democrats fought to prevent any vetting of 20 million illegal immigrants [2:45:59] into this country over the last four years. They attack agents rather than those who are assaulting [2:46:06] agents today. They continually misframe what's happening in the ground. They continually malign the [2:46:13] law enforcement officers who are providing legal structure to otherwise lawless landscapes in this [2:46:20] country. And it's worth noting that there have been roughly two million people in the country who have [2:46:25] been removed in the last year, some voluntarily, and then some by forced deportations. We've heard [2:46:32] roughly about 25 cases of alleged abuse. Some of them, as I just, as I just pointed out, are dishonestly [2:46:38] framed. But let's do a favor to the Democratic side. Let's increase that number by, by 1000 times, [2:46:45] 25,000 cases of alleged abuse or improper protocols. We're still, we are still operating at roughly 99% [2:46:54] proficiency. Given the scale of the problem, the scale of the solution that you all are operating [2:47:00] under, your agents are doing a remarkable job. And I thank you. But one issue that I want to talk about [2:47:09] is this idea of sanctuary policies. Sanctuary policies is not just a passive relinquishing effort. [2:47:17] It's an active obstruction. Isn't that true, Mr. Lyons? Yes, sir. And what I mean by that is when I say it's [2:47:23] an active, to be specific, there are state, there are sanctuary states and cities that will release [2:47:30] violent criminals rather than handing them over to pursuing federal law enforcement. Isn't that [2:47:36] correct? That is correct, sir. I left the hearing a few moments ago just to find a quick example. [2:47:42] Here's one right behind me. Just 30 hours ago, an illegal alien arrested for stabbing an American in the [2:47:48] back. He was charged with attempted murder. He pled to a lesser offense. The feds wanted him, [2:47:55] sought a detainer, and then rather than hold him for your agent's pickup, he was released back into [2:48:02] the streets of Maryland. That is not an unusual action from local hostile law enforcement, is it, [2:48:10] Mr. Lyons? No, sir. That's what we face every day. So we've heard the Democrats complain that we're not [2:48:15] getting the worst of the worst, but their sanctuary jurisdictions that control roughly 40% of this [2:48:22] country's population will actively release sex predators, drug dealers, violent offenders rather [2:48:29] than hand them over to you for deportation. And these are people who are already in custody. Am I [2:48:35] correct, Mr. Lyons? Yes, sir. The individuals were already deemed a public safety threat by local or [2:48:39] state law enforcement. And then when they get a federal detainer, they will release them on the street [2:48:45] rather than turn them over for deportation. Yes, sir. It's disgusting. Mr. Scott, I want to talk to you [2:48:51] briefly. I'm running out of time. How many cities does your agency operate in? We operate nationwide. [2:48:58] Why is it that there is so much tension in Minneapolis-St. Paul right now? Because paid agitators [2:49:04] are actively trying to stop law enforcement action. Without that, you wouldn't even have any [2:49:09] idea most of these arrests were taking place. In many parts of the country, local law enforcement [2:49:13] assists your efforts to bring legal structure to these lawless areas. Isn't that correct? [2:49:18] That's correct. And when order is maintained, you can do your job peacefully, correct? [2:49:23] Correct. And all we've ever asked is for law enforcement to do their job, not necessarily. [2:49:27] In Minneapolis-St. Paul, local law enforcement in some cases have been prohibited [2:49:32] from maintaining order so you can do your job. Isn't that correct? Correct. [2:49:35] Gentlemen, time is expired. I now recognize a gentleman from [2:49:39] Virginia. Mr. Walkinshaw for five minutes. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Director Lyons, [2:49:44] your opening statement referenced the importance of protecting children, [2:49:48] and I'm glad to hear your commitment to that. I want to focus on one of President Trump's [2:49:53] mass deportation policies that the experts say harms children. Child detention. In this administration, [2:50:02] under your watch, ICE has booked nearly 4,000 children. And 1,000 of them have been held longer [2:50:11] than the court-ordered 20-day limit. Recently, ProPublica obtained handwritten letters and drawings [2:50:17] from children detained by ICE. These are letters from children describing what it feels like and [2:50:23] what it does to them when the government locks them up. This is Ariana. She's 14 years old, [2:50:32] detained for 45 days. Since I got to this center, all I feel is sadness and mostly depression. [2:50:41] This is Mia, 7 years old. I don't want to be in this place. I want to go to my school. This is Scarlett, [2:50:51] 17 years old. I feel very bored and overwhelmed because I am locked up. This is Gabby, 14 years old. I [2:51:03] feel so much sadness and depression of not being able to leave. This is Maria, 9 years old. [2:51:14] Me and Dilley am not happy. Please get me out of here. This is a 12-year-old going to the doctor. [2:51:26] And the only thing they tell me is drink more water. The water here is what makes people sick. [2:51:32] And this one got me, Mr. Lyons, because this is a five-year-old, Luis Annie. My son's five. He can't [2:51:39] write many words, but he can communicate through drawings like this. This is a picture of Luis Annie's [2:51:44] family. And you might be able to see that none of the faces are smiling. Child detention is not [2:51:55] required by law. You know that. It's not the only option available. And it's not effective. We know [2:52:04] that community-based alternatives can ensure compliance with proceedings without traumatizing [2:52:11] these children. Yet, you continue to detain and hold children for weeks or months, depriving them of [2:52:21] school, stability, leaving them afraid, sick, and confused. And one of the key reasons for your mass [2:52:30] detention, including the detention of Liam and his father, is to pressure people to give up their legal [2:52:39] opportunities and pathways to remaining in the United States. Liam's father was following the [2:52:44] rules, following the legal process with a valid claim. Let me be clear. No child, not Liam Ramos, [2:52:52] not Gabby, or any of these children should be used as pawns in Stephen Miller's sick and twisted [2:53:01] Great Replacement agenda. Mr. Lyons, in 2025, the British Journal of Psychiatry analyzed all of the data [2:53:11] on the impact of immigration detention on children's health. Have you read that study and analysis? [2:53:18] No, sir, I haven't. You're the director of the- you're not familiar with that literature? [2:53:22] No, sir. You could tell me, I'm sure, chapter and verse on the tactics and the equipment that your [2:53:29] agents use, military-style equipment across the country in American cities, but you don't know [2:53:35] anything about the literature of the impacts of your policies on children. You haven't read it? [2:53:39] No, sir. The Flores Agreement, I'm sure you know that, sets a 20-day limit on detaining children. [2:53:50] You and the Trump administration are trying to terminate that agreement. How long would you like [2:53:57] to hold children? 20 days? 40 days? 60 days? 100 days? What's the right number, Mr. Lyons? [2:54:04] Sir, we wouldn't like to hold any children. We would like to remove that family unit together [2:54:08] safely and humanely and as quickly as possible. Thank you. Since you haven't read the literature, [2:54:13] let me tell you what it says. Detention harms children. No period. No period. Not 20, 40, [2:54:23] 75 days that you're holding children can be deemed safe. All detention of children has adverse impacts [2:54:31] and is profoundly detrimental. Your policies are profoundly detrimental to children. I yield back. [2:54:41] The gentleman yields back. I now recognize the gentleman from California, Mr. Fong, for five [2:54:46] minutes of questions. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you all for those who are here testifying. I want to [2:54:55] thank you to you and your teams and your personnel for what you do. Commissioner Scott, you mentioned in [2:55:00] your testimony, national security cannot exist without effective border security. Couldn't agree [2:55:04] more. Everyone on your teams are doing tremendous work under difficult conditions and I want to thank [2:55:10] you all. I do want to ask and dive in a little deeper as a Californian on the dangers and the consequences [2:55:19] of these sanctuary policies. Director Lyons, I was in the state legislature in 2017 when sanctuary state [2:55:28] policies were put in California. I oppose SB 54 because at the time, and everything has proven to [2:55:34] be true, it was outlined that the impact on ISN border patrol agents was that there would be reduced [2:55:40] information and access. Agents would be conducting higher risk enforcement operations and that there [2:55:46] would be operational constraints when it comes to limiting cooperation between state and local law [2:55:51] enforcement. I wanted to get your perspective, Director Lyons, and I'll go to you, Commissioner Scott, [2:55:59] as well. Can you give specifics on how these sanctuary state policies impact your operations in real time [2:56:08] compared to non-sanctuary operations? Well, sir, for ICE, I'll refer back to what we talked about [2:56:15] earlier in my testimony. The fact that when state or local or county agencies don't cooperate with [2:56:22] immigration customs enforcement, it forces us to go back into the out to the community, which we don't [2:56:26] want to do. It also increases the number of assets we have to put towards that arrest. Like I said earlier, [2:56:31] I would much rather send one or two agents or officers to make that arrest in a safe, secure location [2:56:37] rather than being out in the street. It's safer for everyone involved. And before you, before I go to [2:56:42] you, Commissioner Scott and answer, I just want to let everyone know in California, and I think it was just a [2:56:46] reported a couple days ago. There were currently 33,179 illegal aliens in the custody of California [2:56:54] jurisdictions with active detainers. The crimes of these aliens include 399 homicides, 3,313 assaults, [2:57:00] 3,171 burglaries, 1,011 robberies, 8,380 dangerous drug offenses, 1,984 weapon offenses, [2:57:09] and 1,293 sexual predatory offenses. These are the real-world consequences in that, right, Commissioner [2:57:16] Scott? When we don't have cooperation, they're released into the community. Those are exactly [2:57:21] the consequences. And I would just add, California specific, they went above and beyond everybody else. [2:57:26] I mean, in a negative way. They prohibited state and locals when they saw a crime taking place in [2:57:32] front of them from sharing that information with us. San Diego, for example, right after that law was [2:57:37] passed, a Highway Patrol pulled over a U-Haul van, and it was a smuggling event, probably a human [2:57:43] trafficking event. A Border Patrol agent just happened to roll up on it and found out, luckily, [2:57:48] but that Highway Patrol was disciplined and actually investigated internally, and that [2:57:54] sent a chilling effect across the entire state of California that not only can you not actively [2:57:59] take, like, help us, you couldn't even pass information to us in a normal course of duties. [2:58:05] Border security law enforcement's a team sport. We need to be working together, not against each other. [2:58:09] Now, can you explain what would have happened, and I think you alluded to it, but what would have [2:58:15] happened prior to that if there was local and state coordination with federal law enforcement? [2:58:21] On a daily basis, especially along the southwest border, and let's not forget, and the coast, [2:58:25] because we have boats coming in, when a state or local agency would see illegal activity that they [2:58:30] had, they could take action on, and then they saw a federal crime, they would contact us. It happened [2:58:36] all the time, and that completely ceased to exist when SB 54 was passed. And these crimes, of course, [2:58:42] as you mentioned before, if you go into specifics, I mean, this is trafficking, both humans and drugs. [2:58:47] This is rape assaults. I mean, anything, you're telling me that if any of those crimes occurred, [2:58:53] if right now in California, if someone witnessed it, if a state law enforcement or a local law [2:58:59] enforcement witnessed these crimes being committed, they could not notify you? [2:59:03] They have some felony exceptions, but in most cases, you don't know until you start asking questions, [2:59:08] if it's just a smuggling event or a human trafficking event. Until you actually pop the trunk of the [2:59:12] vehicle or the back of the car, you don't know what commodity is back there, if it's people or [2:59:17] something else. It put a chilling effect beyond the actual written language on any kind of cooperation [2:59:24] in the state. Well, I want to thank you for that. Yes, there were some exceptions when it comes to [2:59:28] felonies, but someone who lives in California and was there for the discussion and debate, [2:59:34] everything we warned about when it came to sanctuary state policies and the consequences to our community [2:59:39] and the consequences to public safety, they have come true. And that is sad and unfortunate, [2:59:44] and we need to undo those policies. So I want to thank you all for your leadership and testimony [2:59:49] and your work. Thank you. And Mr. Chairman, now you back. [2:59:51] The gentleman yields back. I now recognize the gentleman from Louisiana. Mr. Carter for five minutes [2:59:56] of questions. Mr. Chairman, thank you very much. And to our witnesses, thank you for being here. [3:00:01] What we've heard today and seen play out in the streets of this nation for the past year, [3:00:06] straight out of the Trump administration's fascist playbook, cheat, murder, lie about it, [3:00:14] practice the art of mass distraction. American people are not happy about this. This administration's [3:00:25] officials are sitting before us. Two people are dead. I understand that there's an investigation [3:00:31] and you cannot go into the details about that. But there certainly appears to be no shame on the [3:00:38] part of these officials who undoubtedly watched some of your officers conduct themselves in ways that I know [3:00:46] you don't condone. Not as law-abiding people, right? So I got to give you the benefit of the doubt. [3:00:52] And I can't understand why you show no shame, no contrition, no remorse for the human lives that have [3:01:00] been lost, or for the trampling of the Constitution and the tearing apart of the moral fiber of our nation. [3:01:11] They think, apparently. You think, apparently. You've been coached, apparently. You've been [3:01:17] called out of the room with a forced break to be told to be more aggressive, to push back against [3:01:24] questions. The American people saw that happen. The American people watched as you all looked at each [3:01:31] other. Oh, I didn't ask for a break. And clearly you were called in the back to be coached. A [3:01:37] half-time locker room pep talk. This isn't a game. These are people's lives. We should all be, [3:01:48] you should be, your officers should be held accountable. That no one is above the law. No [3:01:56] one can evade the Constitution. No person can evade what is right. Even though you think that [3:02:07] Donald Trump will protect you, and maybe he will for now. But there will be a time that you have to [3:02:13] answer these questions. And while you have worked on many administrations, and it's been asked, [3:02:18] you worked on different administrations. What's different? I'll tell you what's different. [3:02:22] The approach. The approach of how you conducted your, your, your search and seizure. The reason [3:02:29] there were so many others, and they were not riots, was because people were not being trampled. You had [3:02:34] trained officers who knew the art of de-escalation. They understood the rule of law. They understood the [3:02:42] Constitution. Yet now we continue to hear lies. Last year, I took members of Congress on an oversight [3:02:48] visit to ICE facility. We were told certain things that turned out to be patent lies. They told us [3:02:56] things that we witnessed within moments of being there to not be true. Yet we continue to hear you [3:03:01] and some of my colleagues suggest, don't believe your eyes. Don't believe your ears. Just trust us. [3:03:08] Well, the American people can see. And this notion that Democrats don't want enforcement, [3:03:15] those are talking points that are wrong. We want rapists and murderers off the street. We want the [3:03:21] bad, the worst of the worst, to be arrested and to be deported if they aren't supposed to be here. What [3:03:28] we don't want is citizens running down the street being chased by ICE agents. People being shot on the [3:03:36] streets by rogue officers who are, in fact, American citizens. What we don't want is to see people like [3:03:45] Ms. Good or Mr. Prenti simply doing what we often say, if you see something, say something. We don't want [3:03:55] to see people dying on the streets. So let me ask you a quick question. Mr. Lyons, has ICE ever detained [3:04:03] American citizens such as they are not free to leave, whether it is on the sidewalk, the street, [3:04:09] or thrown into the back of an ICE vehicle because they looked or sounded a certain way, even though [3:04:15] they said they were American citizens? Yes or no, quickly. I only get 38 seconds. No, sir. That's [3:04:22] never happened before. That we've arrested one? No, sir. We've detained individuals to verify [3:04:29] identity, but we haven't arrested or deported. No, sir. Detained arrests. Check it out. It's the same thing. [3:04:34] Right. All right. What does an undocumented person look like or sound like? Does it look [3:04:40] like Mr. Garbarino? Does it look like me? Could look like anyone, sir. Okay. Well, [3:04:46] how are you training your people? Because you've said and others have said, if they sound a certain [3:04:51] way, they look a certain way, we're going to stop them. That was quoted by your people. What do you [3:04:55] say to that? Sir, what I say is that ICE does criminal targeted enforcement based on intelligence, [3:05:00] and we don't use the color of skin or accents for that. So the person who said that was wrong? [3:05:04] We'll let the gentleman get that answer in writing. His time has expired. We will now [3:05:11] recognize the gentleman from Tennessee, Mr. Van Epps, for five minutes of questions. [3:05:15] Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for holding this hearing and to our witnesses for testifying today. [3:05:19] I want to commend the job the Trump administration and you gentlemen are doing to secure the border, [3:05:25] enforce federal immigration laws, and keep dangerous criminals off our streets. Under President Biden, [3:05:31] we saw unprecedented levels of illegal immigration, and many of those who came across the border were [3:05:38] connected to transnational criminal organizations and have continued to commit crimes while in the [3:05:43] United States. Despite doing everything they could to secure our borders, our brave CBP officers and [3:05:48] Border Patrol agents were undermined at every turn by the Biden-Harris administration. Yet under President [3:05:55] Trump, CBP, Border Patrol, and ICE have been empowered to do their job and fulfill their mission. As a [3:06:01] representative from Tennessee, I can't help but compare operations in Minneapolis to those in [3:06:06] Memphis. Federal law enforcement operations in Memphis have been successful by every standard [3:06:11] and metric, with Memphis Safe Task Force arresting over 6,000 people. And while immigration enforcement [3:06:18] isn't a stated goal of this task force, there is no question that it is also taking place. The [3:06:24] successful operations are due in large part to the outstanding leadership of Governor Lee, who has worked [3:06:30] closely with federal partners. Over the last year, the Trump administration has arrested numerous [3:06:36] gang members, pedophiles, and drug traffickers in Memphis, with little fanfare or interference from [3:06:41] activists. As a result of this cooperation, murders in Memphis are down by 47 percent since President Trump [3:06:47] took office, and overall violent crime is down by 30 percent. In May of last year, ICE enforcement and [3:06:54] removal operations worked with Tennessee Highway Patrol and DHS components to successfully arrest 196 [3:07:01] criminal illegal aliens across the greater Nashville area. I am grateful for the role the members of [3:07:06] the Tennessee Highway Patrol played in that operation, and their cooperation has made my district [3:07:11] significantly safer. Since then, over 56 partnering agencies are working together alongside ICE to keep [3:07:19] Tennessee and safe. ICE has carefully highlighted the worst of the worst criminal aliens it has arrested. [3:07:26] Today, I will be entering into the record nearly 120 illegal aliens that have been arrested in Nashville, [3:07:32] with rap sheets ranging from identity theft to drug smuggling, larceny to arson, and robbery to rape. [3:07:38] Federal agents are executing their mission to defend American citizens and protect our communities. [3:07:44] The major challenge we've seen in Minneapolis and similar cities are directly caused by [3:07:49] sanctuary city policies and the refusal of local leaders to enforce the law, preventing local law [3:07:54] enforcement from working with ICE. This leaves ICE and others unsupported having to manage protesters [3:08:00] and domestic friction in addition to their actual mission of enforcing immigration law. Local law [3:08:06] enforcement is crucial to facilitate the mission. Director Lyons contrasts ICE's experience in Minneapolis [3:08:13] with other cities around the country, including Memphis and others, that have agreements to work with ICE. [3:08:19] What can successful partnerships with local law enforcement and other partners look like? [3:08:24] Sir, thank you. I would say that Memphis is a prime example. I have to, you know, [3:08:29] give credit to the U.S. Marshal Service that's leading that operation. Homeland Security [3:08:33] investigation agents are out there every day with the men and women of Tennessee Highway Patrol, [3:08:37] Memphis Police Department, and the reduction in crime has been significant. But if you look [3:08:42] across the country, almost at every state, we do have cooperative jurisdictions. If you look at Texas, [3:08:47] Texas, we have outstanding cooperation. You don't see any riots or anything like that. You see [3:08:51] side-by-side law enforcement working together as it would be. If you look at the state of Florida, [3:08:56] state of Oklahoma, state of Louisiana, all across the nation, we do have that. And what it is, [3:09:01] it's public safety. Thank you. Next, I want to commend the Trump administration for locking down our [3:09:07] southern border. A year ago, it was a highway for illegal aliens and illicit materials. Today, it is [3:09:13] secure and closed. Commissioner Scott, as Congress and the Trump administration enabled DHS to secure [3:09:18] the southern border, how are cartels and other criminal organizations adapting to effective [3:09:23] border enforcement? They're going to continue to push back. I think some of it is in these protests, [3:09:29] because if we can shut down interior enforcement, that allows them to basically market their goods, [3:09:35] if you will, to smuggle people in. And they need those people to be distractions, [3:09:38] because without it, they have to start digging million-dollar tunnels. Without it, they have to [3:09:43] spend a bunch of money on drones, which we're countering. Without it, they have to go out into [3:09:47] the ocean where they stick out like a sore thumb, and we're increasing our radars on the west coast [3:09:51] and increasing our air coverage. Basically, it affects their bottom line, and it makes it harder [3:09:57] and harder for them to bring their poison and anybody that wants to threaten this country that's [3:10:01] willing to pay them here. Thank you. Mr. Chairman, I move to submit for the record a list of DHS [3:10:07] worst of the worst in Tennessee, three quotes from Tennessee, seven sheriffs supporting ICE, [3:10:11] and five news articles germane to the hearing in Tennessee. That's right, I yield back. [3:10:15] Without objection. The gentleman yields back. I now recognize the gentleman from Texas, [3:10:20] Mr. Green, for five minutes of questions. Thank you. Sorry, Mr. Chairman. Can you hear me now? [3:10:29] The microphone right there. Will you give me a moment to get a bit closer, please? [3:10:39] A little. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I say it sincerely. I believe this is a most valuable [3:10:46] hearing, and I'm honored that the ranking member would be here with us to accommodate us, [3:10:52] as is the case with you. Mr. Lyons, is it true that you have a criminal justice degree, [3:11:02] a bachelor's degree in criminal justice? Yes, sir, it is. [3:11:06] Is it also true that you have a master's degree in criminal justice leadership? Yes, I do. [3:11:14] And would you, as a professional with two degrees in criminal justice, indicate to us that if an [3:11:21] officer commits murder, that that officer should be prosecuted? Sir, any law enforcement misconduct [3:11:28] needs to be investigated and prosecuted. Investigated and prosecuted. And have you seen [3:11:34] the widely published video of the killing of Mr. Alex Preddy? Yes, sir. And sir, my assumption is that if I [3:11:47] ask you whether this was an injustice, you would say you cannot comment because of an ongoing investigation. [3:11:54] Is that a fair statement? Yes, sir. And what is the rationale for not responding [3:12:00] to an ongoing investigation? Sir, I don't want to impede or [3:12:05] Richard I is the investigation. No, no, no. Not this one. Any. Any. As in your profession now. [3:12:12] But any investigation. What's the rationale? Not this one. Any. Same for any investigation, sir. I [3:12:17] don't want to. You would not want to. I don't want to bias or put my finger on the scale of any [3:12:22] investigation. You not. What's the rationale for you're not testifying about it is my question. [3:12:28] I don't understand your question, sir. Why would, what does the law say? What is the rationale? [3:12:34] What harm would it do if you testified? Because I don't want to have the full facts of the case yet, [3:12:40] sir? Exactly. That's what I expected you to say. You don't have the full facts. Thank you. [3:12:44] And I assume you would agree with this. Mr. Scott, is this true? Yes, sir. And Mr. Edlow, [3:12:49] you would agree? I assume so. I'm not a professional in law enforcement. Well, [3:12:54] but you're a professional person with a degree of intellect such that you can comment on whether or not. [3:12:58] I certainly would not comment on any. I don't. Not a specific case. We're talking about now. [3:13:03] Any case. Would you agree that it would cause harm for you to testify before there's an investigation? [3:13:10] Certainly without having all the facts. All right. Surely you would agree. Which brings us to [3:13:16] Secretary Noem. Secretary Noem accused Mr. Preddy of brandishing a firearm while wishing to inflect harm [3:13:28] on the officers. Secretary Noem. Same rules that apply to you apply to Secretary Noem. Accused these [3:13:40] office, this gentleman, Mr. Preddy of brandishing a firearm. Secretary Noem doing this when she did [3:13:56] without an investigation. We have to agree that there's not been an investigation. I don't think [3:14:01] I have to ask you that. Not a complete investigation that we are know of anyway. She did it right [3:14:05] afterwards. Having done this, she is violating this very basic principle that you have called to our [3:14:14] attention today. And we have to ask ourselves, why would she go so far as to say brandishing [3:14:23] when he did not? The video will clearly show it. And she said wishing to inflict harm. Did not inflict [3:14:34] any harm. But the Secretary, without an investigation, made these comments. I'll tell you why. The Secretary [3:14:48] was in a rush to cover up. To make sure that she was protecting the officers without regard for the [3:15:00] life that was lost. And in doing this, she was violating not only this basic moral concept, she's [3:15:12] breaking the law. The Secretary should be investigated right along with those officers who were out there [3:15:22] engaged in this ungodly conduct. She should be investigated. And in my opinion, based upon my [3:15:30] observation, the Secretary should not only be investigated, the Secretary should be prosecuted, [3:15:37] right along with those officers. This man did not brandish. This man was not armed. This man did not [3:15:44] attempt to hurt those officers. They should all be prosecuted. And you persons associated with the Trump [3:15:54] government's time. Lock her up. I say lock her up. [3:15:58] The gentleman's time has expired. I now recognize the rank member for UCs. [3:16:04] That's correct, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to insert two statements for the record. [3:16:12] One submitted by the Refugee Council, USA, and the other from the Baptist Joint Committee on Religious [3:16:20] Liberty. Without objection. Mr. Chairman, on behalf of Mrs. Ramirez, [3:16:26] I ask unanimous consent to include in the record three articles. One, a Chicago Sun-Times article [3:16:34] describing how U.S. Border Patrol has separated a family. Number two, an ABC-7 Chicago article that [3:16:45] describes how ISIS warrantless arrests in Chicago has been ruled unlawful by a federal judge. And third, [3:16:54] a ProPublica article documenting how immigration agents are using banned chokeholds and other moves that [3:17:07] cannot, can cut off breathing. [3:17:09] Without objection. [3:17:11] Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to insert in the record the following articles. A CBS News article [3:17:19] that states that, contrary to the administration's claim, only 14% of those arrested by ICE had violent [3:17:29] criminal records. An NPR story about a DHS memo that says ICE can enter people's home without a judicial [3:17:40] warrant, which has alarmed members on both sides of the aisle. An article from the Marshall Project that [3:17:48] alleges that there are thousands of kids in detention, many for longer than the court-prescribed limit. An [3:17:57] article from the Independent about a sick five-year-old Lame Ramos asking for his mom in a detention center, [3:18:08] which rebuts testimony we heard today that ICE was taking good care of him. A report from the Center for [3:18:17] Election Innovation and Research updated this month that found that non-citizen voting is rare and [3:18:26] allegations of the practice are a result of misunderstandings of fabrication. An article from [3:18:34] the AP, which highlights that federal authorities are monitoring and tracking individuals who criticize [3:18:42] immigration enforcement operation. A report from the Brennan Center titled, ICE wants to go after the [3:18:50] sinners as well as immigrants. A report from the Guardian that describes the terrible condition [3:18:58] in ICE facilities and that ICE denied urgent medical care to a 10-year-old. [3:19:05] Without objection, I want to thank the witnesses for being here today and all the members for their [3:19:13] questions. Members of the committee may have some additional questions for the witnesses and we ask [3:19:18] that the witnesses to respond to these in writing. Pursuant to Committee Rule 7E, the hearing record will [3:19:23] be held open for 10 days. I want to let the audience know that please still be seated while the witnesses and [3:19:32] their teams leave. Without objection, this committee stands adjourned.