U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) posted a series of statements on January 23, 2026, addressing the actions of activists and the media in relation to recent enforcement operations involving non-citizens with criminal records.
In one post from January 23, ICE stated: "WATCH: ICE EAD Marcos Charles exposes the activists' lies and media smears surrounding the case of the 5-year-old boy. ICE encountered the boy's father, a criminal illegal alien from Ecuador, who fled from our officers and left his young son behind in the freezing cold,".
Later that day, ICE posted another statement: "These individuals — criminal illegal aliens whom anti-ICE agitators are trying to protect — are NOT the kind of people you want as your neighbor."
A third post addressed recent protests in Minnesota: "When anti-ICE agitators in Minnesota swarm our officers and @CBP agents... this is who they are fighting to PROTECT "
The agency has faced criticism and protest from some community groups and activists who oppose its enforcement activities. These events come amid ongoing national debates about immigration policy and law enforcement practices. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is responsible for enforcing federal laws governing border control, customs, trade, and immigration.
