ICE Director Stands Firm Against Eric Swalwell’s Resignation Demands

The ongoing debate surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States intensified during a recent House Homeland Security Committee hearing. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons faced intense scrutiny from Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), who demanded that Lyons resign or “side with the killers.”

Pressure Mounts on ICE Leadership

This confrontation is not the first for Swalwell, who has been a vocal critic of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He previously collaborated with Rep. Daniel Goldman (D-N.Y.) to introduce the “ICE OUT Act,” aiming to remove qualified immunity for federal immigration agents.

Swalwell’s Critique of ICE Actions

During the hearing, Swalwell emphasized Lyons’ military and law enforcement background, stating, “You are what I would call ‘otherwise employable.’” He highlighted troubling incidents under ICE’s leadership, including the deportation of a child battling stage-four cancer, claiming the child was a U.S. citizen. Swalwell’s remarks underscored the perceived impacts of ICE’s mass deportation practices.

A Heated Exchange

Swalwell accused ICE agents of instilling fear in communities, stating that many people flee ICE, even as they work in the fields. He questioned Lyons’ commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and urged him to consider resigning from his position at ICE.

• Swalwell questioned Lyons, “Will you stand with the kids who you’re supposed to protect, or will you side with the killers?”
• Lyons firmly replied, “No sir, I won’t,” defending his agency’s actions.

Rebuttal from Acting ICE Director

In response to Swalwell’s accusations, Lyons highlighted a specific case involving a child whose father abandoned him. He stated that ICE worked to ensure the child’s safety during the father’s apprehension. Lyons argued that their actions were in the child’s best interest, not targeted against them.

Controversial Comparisons

Swalwell also criticized Lyons for comments made about improving immigration enforcement efficiency, likening ICE operations to Amazon Prime delivery. He challenged the appropriateness of such comparisons by referencing a tragic shooting incident linked to enforcement actions. Lyons responded by clarifying that his comments were meant to emphasize the need for enhanced technology within DHS operations.

• Swalwell asked, “How many times has Amazon Prime shot a mom three times in the face?”
• Lyons defended his statement, stressing the need for human consideration in enforcement actions.

Conclusion

The hearing concluded with contrasting exchanges between members of Congress. While Swalwell’s line of questioning was confrontational, other representatives, including Chairman Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.), provided Lyons with a more amicable opportunity to express his views.

This contentious dialogue highlights the ongoing division in U.S. immigration policy and the challenges faced by ICE leadership today.