A staggering 1.6 million individuals in the United States currently live under final deportation orders, a revelation delivered by Acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Todd Lyons to the Senate Homeland Security Committee. The weight of this number is amplified by the fact that roughly half – 800,000 people – have been convicted of crimes.
These aren’t directives originating within ICE or the Department of Homeland Security itself. Instead, Lyons emphasized that each order stems from a decision made by an immigration judge operating independently within the Department of Justice, a critical distinction in understanding the process.
The scope of this situation extends to every corner of the nation. Lyons specifically cited Minnesota, where over 16,840 individuals are subject to these final deportation orders, highlighting the widespread nature of the challenge.
Senator James Lankford brought into sharp focus the dramatic shift in border security over the past two years. He recalled a period when an estimated 10,000 people were crossing the border daily, largely unvetted and with unknown backgrounds.
Lankford further revealed concerns regarding “special interest aliens” – individuals with potential ties to terrorism – with the Biden administration estimating 70,000 such cases in 2024 alone. The lack of initial vetting during the surge raised serious national security questions.
This situation unfolds against a backdrop of intense scrutiny of ICE’s operations, particularly following incidents in Minnesota where two activists tragically lost their lives during confrontations with federal officers. These events have fueled calls from some Democrats to significantly curtail funding for the Department of Homeland Security.
Lankford passionately defended the work of immigration enforcement personnel, asserting they have effectively stemmed a potential crisis. He underscored the thousands of daily arrests conducted lawfully, contrasting this with the actions of protesters who disrupt public life and endanger agents.
He described instances of protesters aggressively confronting agents, even resorting to violence while claiming peaceful demonstration, and disrupting religious services, all while invoking First Amendment rights. Lankford’s message was clear: the dedication and lawful actions of ICE personnel are vital in maintaining order and security.
The senator’s remarks served as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges facing immigration enforcement, urging a broader perspective beyond recent controversies and emphasizing the critical role these agents play in safeguarding national interests.
