The acting director of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Todd Lyons, stated that the agents of his agency will detain anyone who is in the United States illegally, regardless of whether they have a criminal record or not.
In an interview with CBS News, Lyons emphasized that the agency’s resources will continue to prioritize the detention of immigrants with serious criminal backgrounds, but stated that so-called “collateral” arrests will also be common, due to sanctuary cities making cooperation with law enforcement “difficult.”
“If we find someone who is here illegally, we will take them into custody,” he stated.
During his appearance on the show Face the Nation, Lyons expressed his frustration at not being able to focus all efforts on the criminals who are already incarcerated.
"I would prefer to focus on those cases, but due to local policies, we have to go out into the communities, and it's there that collateral arrests increase,” he stated.
In his statements, Lyons reaffirmed that the ICE would continue with the enforcement of immigration laws in the workplace, and asserted that there is no prohibition against such actions.
He asserted that the agency would hold accountable the companies that hire and exploit undocumented workers: “It is not a crime without victims. Investigations reveal cases of forced labor and human trafficking.”
"We not only focus on the people who work here illegally, but also on the American companies that exploit these workers, these individuals who came here in search of a better life," he elaborated.
When asked to confirm that ICE plans to hold accountable those who employ immigrants illegally in the United States, Lyons responded: “We are one hundred percent going after the companies that employ illegally, not just the workers.”
Since Donald Trump returned to the presidency in January, his administration has reversed the restrictions imposed by the previous government. The goal is now clear: one million deportations per year, and ICE has received millions in funding to achieve this.
Although the government highlights the capture of individuals convicted of violent crimes, official data shows that many of the recent deportations have been for minor immigration violations or trafficking offenses.
The tightening of immigration policies and the scale of the arrest campaign have raised concerns among migrant communities, human rights advocates, and business sectors, who fear unjust reprisals or secondary economic effects.
Frequently Asked Questions about ICE's New Detention Measures and Their Impact
What changes has ICE announced regarding the detention of illegal immigrants in the U.S.?
The acting director of ICE, Todd Lyons, stated that they will detain anyone found illegally in the U.S., even if they do not have a criminal record. This policy includes so-called "collateral" arrests and will be supplemented with stringent measures against employers of undocumented individuals.
How will these measures affect companies that hire undocumented immigrants?
ICE will hold companies accountable for hiring and exploiting undocumented labor. Lyons stated that investigations have uncovered cases of forced labor and human trafficking, and that the agency will focus on companies as well, not just on undocumented workers.
What is the goal of the Trump administration regarding deportations?
The Trump administration aims for one million deportations per year. Since taking office, they have reversed previous restrictions and allocated millions in funding to ICE to achieve this goal, focusing on the deportation of individuals with and without criminal records.
What are the implications of this policy for migrant communities in the U.S.?
The measures have generated concern among migrant communities, human rights advocates, and business sectors. They fear unjust reprisals, negative economic effects, and a climate of fear that could hinder cooperation with local authorities.
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