On May 20, 2025, ICE Acting Director Todd M. Lyons responded to comments made by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. The remarks were made during National Police Week and referred to ICE agents as “modern-day Gestapo.”
Lyons criticized the governor's statement, describing it as "abhorrent, dehumanizing and ignorant." He expressed concern over the potential impact of such rhetoric on the safety of ICE officers, noting that assaults against them have increased by over 400% compared to the previous year.
Lyons suggested that if Governor Walz disagrees with current immigration laws, he should advocate for legislative changes through Congress rather than endangering ICE personnel with his statements. He called for an immediate apology from the governor to those serving in law enforcement.
