(NewsNation) — Under the Trump administration, immigration enforcement and deportations have been a high priority, even as the administration has faced protests over mass deportations.
Recently, there has also been a focus on arresting foreign nationals with suspected terrorist ties.
Fighting terrorism
Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Todd Lyons told NewsNation that while there have been recent headlines focusing on those suspected of connections to terrorism, including Iranian nationals, it doesn’t mean there has been a shift in priorities.
“What you’re seeing is ICE doing their mission as a whole,” he said. “We’ve always done targeted enforcement, and we’ve always focused on high-risk countries, you know, not just Iran, but, you know, People’s Republic of China, Syria, various countries on the African continent.”
Lyons attributed the number of suspected terrorists in the country to the Biden administration. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently told governors that there is a heightened threat level following the U.S. strike on Iran, and it’s critical to go after these suspects.
“The only way ICE is going to do that is if we treat every immigration violator the same and we take action on them,” Lyons said.
Lyons said he couldn’t put a number on how many of those suspected terrorists were Iranian, but the focus has been on identifying people who are national security threats and detaining them.
While concerns about sleeper cells have been raised, Lyons said the administration has taken great strides in securing the border.
“I think Americans should be confident that under this administration, under the leadership of Secretary Noem, you have federal law enforcement agencies that are out there every day protecting the homeland,” Lyons said. “I think the American public needs to be aware. They just need to be cautious, but they need to go on living their lives because they wake up in the greatest country every day.”
Anti-ICE protests
ICE agents have faced protesters in cities where increased immigration raids have occurred, including Los Angeles. The situation there prompted President Donald Trump to federalize California’s National Guard.
Despite the opposition, Lyons said morale is high among agents, in part due to the backing from Trump and Noem.
“Sure, we have a lot more work than we ever had, but the men and women of ICE are sworn law enforcement officers who signed up to do a job. And under this administration, they’re allowed to do their job again,” Lyons said.
Regarding legislation in California that would prevent ICE agents from covering their faces to conceal their identity, Lyons said he would like to work with elected officials to protect agents who have been doxxed by protesters.
“We’ve shown what happens when these officers and agents’ families’ information gets out there. They don’t want to wear those masks, but it’s for their own safety,” he said. “I would love to sit down with lawmakers and come up with some solution to that, but until I can ensure the men and women of ICE and their families are going to be protected, I’m going to let them do whatever they need to do to protect themselves.”
Protecting Americans
When it comes to protecting the U.S., Lyons said agents are prepared for the upcoming July 4 holiday.
“The American public should feel safe going to any one of these large fireworks celebrations, for instance, because DHS has worked with local and state partners for days, weeks, and months leading up to ensure that we have all the most current threat intelligence,” Lyons said.
The White House has set a goal of 3,000 arrests a day, but Lyons rejected the label of “quota” and said the goal is really for agents to complete their mission.
He told NewsNation the increased number has to do with assistance from other agencies and the focus the Trump administration has put on immigration.
“There’s a lot of damage that was done in the last four years. What I can say is, though, now that we’re allowed to do our job, and we have so many more resources, I think you’re going to see an increased, steady climb with the increase in numbers,” Lyons said. We’re going to be able to put max effort towards it, and you’re going to see us achieve what the president wants and reach that goal.”
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