Top U.S. immigration officials are facing tough questions in Congress after the deaths of two citizens in Minnesota during immigration enforcement operations. The hearing, held before the Republican-controlled House Homeland Security Committee, is the first since the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, which have intensified opposition to President Donald Trump’s crackdown on immigration.
Testifying are Todd Lyons, acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Rodney Scott, commissioner of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Joe Edlow, director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Democrats on the committee are expected to press them on accountability, demanding reforms such as requiring officers to remove masks, wear body cameras, and prioritize enforcement against criminal offenders rather than sweeping up families and children.
The controversy stems from January, when Trump escalated immigration enforcement in Minneapolis, leading to clashes between masked officers and residents. Federal officials initially labeled Good and Pretti as “domestic terrorists,” but video evidence contradicted those claims, fueling public outrage. Despite internal ICE guidance instructing officers to avoid confrontations with protesters, encounters have continued, with citizens arrested after following officers in their cars.
In response to mounting pressure, Trump’s border czar Tom Homan took over operations in Minnesota, replacing Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino and pledging a more targeted approach. Still, tensions remain high, with critics arguing that the administration’s tactics erode civil liberties and public trust.
This hearing is expected to be a pivotal moment in the debate over immigration enforcement, as lawmakers weigh the balance between national security and protecting citizens’ rights.
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