(NewsNation) — Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons defended the agency’s arrest of immigrants living in the U.S. illegally without criminal convictions, saying 70% of those classified as “noncriminal” face pending serious criminal charges and that early intervention prevents future crimes.
In an interview with NewsNation’s “CUOMO,” Lyons pushed back against criticism that immigration enforcement has shifted toward targeting workers and families rather than focusing solely on violent criminals.
“We do have those individuals that have been charged of some pretty serious crimes, yet, either because of bail reform or no cash bond, they’ve been released,” Lyons said. “What I can point to is that 70% of the individuals that are listed as noncriminal, well, they do have pending serious criminal charges.”
The ICE director cited the case of two Dominican nationals who allegedly shot an off-duty CBP officer, noting they had multiple previous arrests but had been released.
He said ICE aims to “head off these crimes ahead of time” by detaining individuals that local law enforcement considered dangerous enough to arrest.
Lyons emphasized that recent high-profile enforcement actions, including raids at marijuana grow operations, were conducted under federal criminal warrants for cases involving possible human trafficking, child exploitation or other criminal activity.
He said ICE was also targeting employers who exploit workers.
Data shows a sharp increase in arrests of noncriminal immigrants compared to those with criminal records since the Trump administration intensified deportation efforts. Critics argue this shift has created fear in immigrant communities and separated families with no criminal history.
The Trump administration pursues its goal of one million deportations annually, while President Donald Trump has acknowledged hearing concerns from farmers and hospitality industry leaders about labor shortages.