Acting ICE Director Condemns Mayor Wu’s Neo-Nazi Remarks as Dangerous and Disgusting

Acting ICE Director Condemns Mayor Wu’s Neo-Nazi Remarks as Dangerous and Disgusting

Acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Todd Lyons has strongly criticized Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries for their inflammatory comments regarding his agency. During an appearance on Fox & Friends, Lyons labeled their rhetoric as ‘disgusting’ and asserted that it poses a significant risk to him and his colleagues.

Wu’s Controversial Remarks

Wu sparked outrage during a press conference on Wednesday. She likened ICE agents wearing masks to members of the neo-Nazi group the Nationalist Social Club-131 (NSC-131). Her comments came in the wake of alarming reports indicating a staggering 413 percent increase in assaults against ICE agents.

In her remarks, Wu stated, “I don’t know of any police department that routinely wears masks.” She aimed to draw a comparison between local police practices and the actions of the neo-Nazi group. When directly asked if she was making a comparison between ICE and NSC-131, her response was noncommittal: “What I said is that Boston police, and no police department that I know of at the local level, routinely wears masks.”

Leaders Call for Accountability

Jeffries also joined the fray, asserting that ICE agents implicated in ‘aggressive overreach’ would not be able to hide their identities from the public. He claimed, “They will all be identified no matter what it takes, no matter how long it takes.” This declaration seemed to exacerbate the existing tensions surrounding ICE’s operations.

Lyons Expresses Outrage

Lyons conveyed his indignation during an interview with Fox News’ Lawrence B. Jones. He expressed that his feelings had transitioned from mere disheartenment to outright disgust. He remarked, “What Mayor Wu said is completely disgusting. She actually compared us to a neo-Nazi group. And here I am on June 6 where many of the men of ICE—brave men and women that were veterans—on the great day in military history when we defeated the Germans and the Nazi Party, we have elected officials comparing the brave men and women in law enforcement to Nazis.”

He noted that language from political leaders like Wu and Jeffries is contributing to rising violence against ICE personnel. He revealed that masked protesters targeted his residence at 3 a.m. after his address became public knowledge.

Defending ICE’s Role in Communities

Amidst the escalating tensions, Lyons asserted the essential role of ICE in safeguarding communities. He stated, “They may not like it, but what the men and women of ICE are doing in Massachusetts and all over this country is making communities safer.” He praised Secretary Kristi Noem for her leadership, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to enforcing policies that protect the public.

Speaking on Identification Risks

When pressed about the extent of the issue, Lyons estimated that potentially ‘hundreds, if not thousands’ of agents have had their identities compromised. He recounted a harrowing experience involving an officer in Massachusetts, whose photo circulated widely, subjecting him to public vilification. Lyons described this officer as one of the best in the industry, yet he faced severe backlash merely for performing his duties.

Lyons shared, “Just for doing his job, he was described in the worst way, with his photo taped to every street corner and telephone pole identifying him.” This illustrates the real-world consequences of incendiary political discourse surrounding law enforcement.

Silence from Wu and Jeffries

As of now, neither Mayor Wu nor Leader Jeffries has responded to requests for comments regarding their statements. This silence leaves many questioning the implications of their remarks for ongoing safety and operational effectiveness among ICE agents.

The implications of such rhetoric extend beyond mere political debate. As violence against ICE agents increases, the potential for further escalation remains a significant concern for law enforcement agencies. The public’s perception of ICE also hinges on these discussions, highlighting the urgent need for responsible dialogue surrounding agency actions and societal safety.

While the political landscape continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: the language in which public officials engage with issues of law enforcement bears consequences that can affect the security of those on the front lines.

This report includes contributions from Fox News’ Alex Nitzberg.