Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs | https://www.dhs.gov/
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a statement refuting claims made in a recent New York Times article that alleged the agency is targeting and deporting U.S. citizens during Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.
“We have said it a million times: ICE does NOT arrest or deport U.S. citizens. One week after the terrorist attack targeting ICE in Dallas, the media is once again shamefully peddling a false narrative, attempting to demonize our DHS law enforcement agents, who are already facing a 1000% increase in assaults against them,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Any U.S. citizens arrested are because of obstructing or assaulting law enforcement.”
According to DHS, its enforcement operations are focused and do not result in the arrest of U.S. citizens. The department states that agents identify their targets ahead of time and follow procedures to confirm an individual's status before making an arrest. Officials emphasized that ICE officers are trained to ask specific questions to determine legal status and removability, asserting that ICE does not detain or arrest U.S. citizens.
Addressing concerns about detention conditions, DHS claims that ICE facilities provide higher standards than most prisons holding U.S. citizens, including access to meals, medical care, and opportunities for detainees to communicate with legal counsel and family members.
In response to several individual cases cited by the New York Times:
- Kenny Laynez-Ambrosio was among several men from Guatemala arrested following a traffic stop by Florida Highway Patrol near John D. MacArthur Beach State Park on May 2, 2025; DHS says he resisted arrest.
- Jason Brian Gavidia was detained for investigation related to interference but released after his citizenship was confirmed.
- Javier Ramirez was arrested for allegedly assaulting an officer and interfering with agents.
- George Retes was arrested after reportedly becoming violent during a criminal search at marijuana sites in Camarillo, California; he allegedly blocked agents' vehicles.
- Leonardo Garcia Venegas was detained during a worksite operation for allegedly obstructing agents as they attempted an arrest.
DHS maintains that any arrests of U.S. citizens stem from actions such as obstruction or assault on law enforcement officers rather than immigration violations.
“Anyone who actively obstructs law enforcement in the performance of their sworn duties, including U.S. citizens, will of course face consequences which include arrest,” the department stated.
