Acting ICE director says agency will 'ramp up' raids if sanctuary jurisdictions don't cooperate
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons stated that the agency will intensify raids in sanctuary cities if they do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement efforts. He emphasized the importance of targeting criminal illegal immigrants and maintaining public safety, regardless of sanctuary policies. Lyons acknowledged California Governor Gavin Newsom's willingness to work with ICE, despite the state's sanctuary status, following a controversial case involving an illegal immigrant. In the first 100 days of the Trump administration, ICE reported over 6,000 arrests of illegal immigrants, aiming to remove particularly dangerous individuals from communities. Additional funding for ICE, including potentially 10,000 more agents, is seen as crucial for enhancing enforcement operations, especially in jurisdictions where detainees are frequently released.
Todd Lyons, acting director of ICE, announced plans to increase raids in sanctuary cities that choose not to work with federal immigration authorities, highlighting a commitment to address public safety threats.
Lyons reiterated the agency's focus on deporting criminal illegal immigrants, including violent gang members, sex offenders, and drug traffickers, as part of the broader Trump administration's deportation agenda.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, despite the state's sanctuary status, has expressed a willingness to cooperate with ICE on honoring detainer requests, earning praise from Lyons for this approach.
ICE has arrested more than 6,000 illegal immigrants in the first 100 days of the Trump administration, with a focus on removing individuals who pose significant risks to community safety.
The potential allocation of funds for 10,000 additional ICE agents is seen as a transformative measure that would significantly enhance enforcement capabilities, particularly in areas where criminal aliens are repeatedly released.
Lyons provided an example of targeted enforcement operations in Boston, where ICE targeted jurisdictions known for releasing detainees, highlighting ongoing challenges in real-time as more criminal aliens were released.
The cooperation between federal and state authorities is deemed essential in effectively addressing public safety threats posed by illegal immigrants, with ICE advocating for a partnership approach to enhance security.