Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons testified before the Senate Homeland Security Committee, shedding light on ongoing internal misconduct investigations. The testimony follows heightened scrutiny of the agency's actions, particularly following the shooting deaths of two U.S. citizens by immigration officers, raising questions about training, use of force, and oversight mechanisms.
Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement ( ICE ), Todd Lyons, testified before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on February 12, 2026. The hearing, focused on internal misconduct investigations within ICE , revealed that a significant number of probes are currently underway. Lyons disclosed that ICE is actively investigating numerous cases of alleged misconduct within its ranks.
Of the investigations, a substantial portion have already been closed, while a concerning number remain pending or have been referred for further scrutiny. Lyons refrained from specifying whether any of the investigations had culminated in the termination of employees, which raised concerns about the accountability of the agency. He emphasized that the investigations impact a relatively small fraction of the total ICE workforce, a workforce which the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been successful in nearly doubling its ranks in recent months to a total of 22,000 employees. The rapid expansion of the ICE workforce, coupled with the ongoing investigations, has brought the agency's internal oversight mechanisms under increased scrutiny. Lyons' testimony comes amidst heightened scrutiny of ICE's actions, particularly following the shooting deaths of two U.S. citizens by immigration officers in Minneapolis last month. This incident triggered a wave of questions regarding the tactics employed by immigration officers, their training protocols, and the use of force. The circumstances of the Minneapolis shooting further amplified existing concerns about the effectiveness and integrity of the department's internal oversight procedures. The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) approach to sharing information about internal misconduct investigations has been characterized by a degree of opacity, although several cases have come to light in recent months. The hearing, convened by the Senate Homeland Security Committee, provided a platform for top immigration enforcement officials to address these pressing issues, offering a rare glimpse into the agency's internal workings. Senator Rand Paul from Kentucky called the hearing after the federal immigration officers in Minneapolis were involved in a shooting. During the hearing, Lyons addressed the ongoing investigations and responded to questions from senators about the agency's internal protocols. Lyons' comments on investigations were focused solely on ICE, leaving the public uninformed about the status of investigations within Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Lawmakers at the hearing did not seek information from the CBP commissioner, Rodney Scott, about internal probes, resulting in a gap in the understanding of overall misconduct issues within the broader Department of Homeland Security. Concerns were raised about the training provided to new recruits. Some of the agents involved in the incidents had worked for their agencies for years, but increased enforcement has also heightened scrutiny of the training provided to the 12,000 new ICE employees. Lyons responded to questions from Senator Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., regarding the training timeline. He said the curriculum at the federal law enforcement training center in Georgia was shortened from 75 days to 42 days for new recruits, with an increased focus on on-the-job training. Lyons also stated that it was conceivable for a new recruit to transition from no prior experience with a weapon to active duty in a state like Minnesota following the completion of the 42-day training program. He also noted that former law enforcement officers and special agents received shorter training, focused on specific topics such as the Immigration and Nationality Act. Senator Gallego expressed concern, noting a pattern of mishandling of weapons and excessive use of force, and that no decisive action had been taken to resolve the issues. The Department of Homeland Security has reduced staffing in oversight divisions focused on civil rights, impacting the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, which could be involved in investigations. Lyons' comments highlighted the need for unbiased investigations, as any public statements or social media posts might compromise the investigation. The agency's commitment to independent reporting and local information reflects a dedication to accountability and transparency. The LAist is struggling financially, which may impact its ability to continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California
ICE Misconduct Investigations Training Use Of Force
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