Particle.news

Download on the App Store

ICE director defends masked raids as daily arrests climb

He says face coverings protect agents from online doxxing threats in jurisdictions that refuse cooperation with federal immigration officers

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director Todd Lyons announces that his agency took nearly 1,500 immigrants into custody in Massachusetts over the month of May during a news conference at the John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse in Boston, Monday, June 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Leah Willingham)

Overview

  • Acting Director Todd Lyons said agents wear masks to shield themselves and their families from doxxing and death threats.
  • ICE is averaging about 1,600 arrests per day and has been ordered to raise its daily target to at least 3,000.
  • A May sweep in Massachusetts led to the detention of 1,461 immigrants, including 790 with criminal records and 277 previously ordered removed.
  • The Department of Homeland Security quietly removed its published list of sanctuary jurisdictions following widespread criticism.
  • Conservative commentators such as Bill Kristol argue that the masks serve as intimidation rather than genuine safety measures.