Statement from acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons on Rep. Pramila Jayapal calling ICE a ‘terrorist force’

WASHINGTON — On July 2, Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) called U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement a “terrorist force.”

Acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons’ response to the congresswoman:

“An actual Antifa terrorist tried to blow up ICE’s Northwest Processing Center in Rep. Jayapal’s home state of Washington in 2019. At the time, she tried to blame the violent attack on rhetoric from the right, in defense of an actual terrorist who tried to murder detainees and employees alike! 

Now, she labels ICE officers enforcing immigration law set by Congress ‘terrorists.’ This, at a time when officers are facing a nearly 700% increase in assaults, in part due to the type of rhetoric she spews. Never in a million years did I think I would witness a sitting member of Congress prioritize regard for violent criminals over the law enforcement officers protecting her community from actual public safety threats. The only apology needed is from the congresswoman to the people who voted for her.”