Immigration Chiefs Defend Tactics as Lawmakers Threaten DHS Funding Shutdown

Top immigration officials warned of significant national security risks from a potential Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown on Tuesday as they defended agency tactics following the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens in Minnesota. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons and CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott testified before the House Homeland Security Committee, where Democratic lawmakers threatened to block the 2026 funding bill unless the administration implements specific reforms. These proposed changes include the mandatory use of body cameras and a ban on agents wearing face masks during field operations.

During the hearing, Lyons rejected calls for his resignation, stating that ICE is "fulfilling the mandate" of the administration's deportation agenda and is "only getting started." He reported that the agency has made nearly 379,000 arrests over the past year, including 7,000 suspected gang members and 1,400 suspected terrorists. Lyons also noted that federal agents have faced an 8,000% increase in death threats amid the enforcement surge.

Republican committee members defended the agencies, arguing that Democrats were attempting to disrupt operations targeting violent criminals. Chairman Andrew Garbarino stated the department is at an "inflection point" where transparency is required to maintain public safety and trust. While some moderate Republicans acknowledged that DHS had fallen short in Minneapolis, they emphasized the need for targeted law enforcement operations rather than a complete overhaul of the agency.