Politics June 07,2025 | Independence Journal Editorial Team

413% Spike in ASSAULTS – Who’s to Blame?

ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons is forcefully defending the agency against political attacks, warning that inflammatory rhetoric is putting law enforcement officers in danger.

At a Glance

ICE Director Todd Lyons defends agents amid growing political backlash

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu likened ICE to “Trump’s secret police”

Assaults against ICE agents have surged 413% amid rising tensions

Democrats propose revealing agents’ identities for transparency

Lyons warns rhetoric is endangering officers and weakening public safety

ICE Pushes Back Against ‘Secret Police’ Slurs

Amid mounting political pressure and public criticism, ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons has condemned what he calls “ridiculous rhetoric” from Democratic officials targeting his agents. In particular, he pushed back against Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s comparison of ICE to “neo-Nazis,” and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ call to expose agents’ identities.

“These are real people with real families you’re hurting with your ridiculous rhetoric,” Lyons said. His comments follow a dramatic uptick in violence, with Homeland Security reporting a 413% rise in assaults against ICE personnel.

Watch a report: ICE Chief Defends Masked Agents.

Law Enforcement on the Defensive

The controversy escalated after an ICE raid in San Diego was criticized as “state-sponsored terrorism” by local officials. Lyons defended his agents’ use of masks and tactical gear during operations, emphasizing the threat environment they navigate. “I’m not going to let my officers and agents go out there and put their lives on the line… because people don’t like what immigration enforcement is,” he stated during a press briefing.

From restaurant raids to drug busts at nightclubs, ICE operations continue to disrupt criminal networks. But as calls mount to “unmask” officers, Lyons insists anonymity is essential to protect their lives and families from harassment and reprisal.

A Crisis of Credibility or Safety?

Lyons’ critics argue that transparency is critical in a democracy, especially for an agency with sweeping powers. Hakeem Jeffries recently asserted, “[Every single one of these agents] will of course be identified.” But ICE leadership says that proposal crosses a dangerous line—turning political grievance into operational risk.
“These agents walk into danger so others can sleep safely,” Lyons said. “While it’s easy to be an armchair quarterback, the bottom line is my officers are out there protecting the same people who are threatening their safety.”

The debate has drawn national attention as America grapples with immigration, enforcement, and political polarization. Whether ICE’s aggressive defense of its mission will help restore public trust—or deepen the divide—remains to be seen. For now, Lyons is making clear: ICE will not stand down.

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