[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},"mediaId",6240977,"mediaKeyId","3313052-83135d02c0c9605494ba316074e8b555","parentId",3313052,"title","ICE highlights HSI task forces, DOD partnerships and Fort Bliss repatriation operations","audioSeconds",1601,"startMs",1435000,"endMs",3036000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3313052-83135d02c0c9605494ba316074e8b555&start=1435&end=3036","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3313052-83135d02c0c9605494ba316074e8b555/thumbnail_1435000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6240977/ICE-highlights-HSI-task-forces-DOD-partnerships-and-Fort-Bliss-repatriation-operations","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6240977-7b01816285a2f7931e70c59f494d2c36/orig.mp4?Expires=1770926815&Signature=IbT938YITNt-a3sgaFOwzSBr~aiLbIYoQc3Aax0aYs1Al3FrT~pD6xzYTyiEgttNZbg9qqKofPt19ZT~8mYmMi5XCipqR3MtMiZRFE2k~oWCAStw8nvwAHLfPMzHR4ASYlEL8O0ZgRW3pI9cWIO79wtMpE92rUNhdRk8HxEUyKm60eEq0XmXRfv5PbHYlfz24VbGte6NglC~D6jAoip7DN39De7x-~VPuxxEZCqpqnoymFEOzAKLKbwGkGEoe~N7cgVax7xpxCSFhhb~hN6dTSpwqpEaWhLlO4-SUSmalxriZzt38qw~ECTFKcOyyNpdLPISE2qD6CjyidBzRExSxQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","U.S. House Committee on Appropriations","date","2025-05-15T03:01:34Z","article","Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons told the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security on May 14 that Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), interagency task forces and Department of Defense partnerships are central to disrupting transnational criminal organizations and supporting large‑scale repatriations.

Lyons said HSI focuses on threats outside U.S. borders — including forced labor, IP theft, trans‑shipment schemes and narcotics flows tied to the People’s Republic of China — and asked for more technology, analysts and overseas capability to pursue those networks. “Homeland security investigations is a key part to Department of Homeland Security,” Lyons said.

Several members praised task forces. Rep. Cuellar called the Border Enforcement Security Task Force “an excellent program” and Rep. Gonzales and others urged continued support for task force models that bring multiple federal partners together. Lyons described newly formed Homeland Security Task Forces created by executive order and said they will marshal Department of Justice and DHS resources to target cartels, transnational gangs and foreign terrorist organizations.

Members pressed Lyons about Department of Defense support for repatriation operations. Lyons said Fort Bliss is a “key part” of repatriation work and estimated the Fort Bliss site planning figure at approximately 3,500 beds while noting the Department of Defense funds facilities and ICE provides contracting. He said 69 detainees were at Fort Bliss at the time of questioning and that ICE would provide exact counts for members on follow‑up. Lyons said DOD has been an “excellent partner” for airlift and base support but deferred budgeting questions to DOD. Gonzales and others asked ICE to ensure adequate civilian contractor staffing at repatriation sites.

There were no formal actions in this hearing segment; members asked for follow‑up data on DOD facilities, airlift costs and exact bed counts.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Oversight Hearing – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement","oneSentenceSummary","Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons told the committee that Homeland Security Investigations and newly established homeland security task forces are central to combating transnational criminal organizations, and described Defense Department partnerships to support repatriation flights and use of military installations such as Fort Bliss.","taxTitle","Appropriations: House Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation, Legislative, Federal","taxId",1832,"location","","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6240981,"Lawmakers and ICE clash over sanctuary policies, data sharing and 287(g) expansion",983,1069000,2052000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3313052-83135d02c0c9605494ba316074e8b555&start=1069&end=2052","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3313052-83135d02c0c9605494ba316074e8b555/thumbnail_1069000.jpg","/articles/6240981/Lawmakers-and-ICE-clash-over-sanctuary-policies-data-sharing-and-287g-expansion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6240981-02dfb6a167dd04117869e717f89fc088/orig.mp4?Expires=1770926815&Signature=gTHTkMhkVy0XZFTQf-vPdNwBmxmPvq1euWP0IMxTWuGM6hUL~kkVLFLLD4U1JNwt3tjeEjrCoiFjRf0ij0yuuNsTAU0N35UEy4pKRoKMCOPF9KJBOuvj5u6gQxHIQSuOJVtyxFyWPDhYJ~ENotWoAq50G-UPvW~o-f9MeppXgdJkU7R87mfZjKfvB0jlU4OIdzHdGZVi~wr30wyQpgSZfCmyCdvBpMwoBYZeeEJs9e1duvZ~nmWAin0vc3kLh8ukOgYtuvV2JFqP1PP1QRppcH9ThiSvsRS9eLXfSSb45IsCBZm9CsFczwDFzg42b85L6wgk5Fka8DbsT19q1snCtQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security on May 14 argued about the public safety consequences of sanctuary policies and whether local noncooperation prevents ICE from tracking criminal aliens.

Rep. Henson said sanctuary policies “obstruct access to critical data and information” and “hamper our ability to track and find these individuals,” linking such limits to risks from illicit drugs and gangs. Acting Director Todd Lyons agreed that lack of access to databases such as driver records and police reports hinders ICE’s ability to locate and remove individuals with criminal histories.

Members asked how ICE handles jurisdictions that refuse detainer requests or block access to law‑enforcement databases. Lyons said ICE seeks partnerships and prefers to work with local jails, sheriffs and state corrections agencies where possible, but that high ICE detention standards can make local contracting “cost prohibitive.” He said ICE has increased participation in the 287(g) program by about 300% and welcomed more local cooperation and legislative support.

Members urged the committee to consider legislation or funding to support local partners that work with ICE and to expand information sharing so ICE can pursue criminal priorities. Lyons said coordinated task forces and partnership with local law enforcement improve public safety and agent safety.

The hearing included no formal policy change; members asked for follow‑up on where cooperation is lacking and how funding could support local partnerships.","Members and Acting Director Todd Lyons debated whether sanctuary policies impede public safety and ICE investigations; Lyons said local noncooperation limits information sharing and cited a 300% increase in jurisdictions joining 287(g) as part of ICE's response.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6240988,"Lawmakers fault ICE oversight denials and press agency on deaths in custody",182,858000,1040000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3313052-83135d02c0c9605494ba316074e8b555&start=858&end=1040","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3313052-83135d02c0c9605494ba316074e8b555/thumbnail_858000.jpg","/articles/6240988/Lawmakers-fault-ICE-oversight-denials-and-press-agency-on-deaths-in-custody","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6240988-f795ce4369d6496987ec4ea581cd49c9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770926815&Signature=cbFA3D6ykmg8SGznklWplIjItdIHkKZGysSe7ar2ZPcrpWGT3FXX17MKB1sZoaiGneJJZPsC6AxVsVReJNTxI0MahPWlBeTAG85xXIx5ETUtAU4hBKeZc56tK4lfhwdbXfWlGdZVzWc01D9jeomq9N686W-hZZm4LrL-W1ATCRyQLkmATOPjoYSnuQDBGwLLKXbcyXWNU3wqNOaKSSTt~mNUvWir-1UKLM7vmXL704VGnJJlpbppaJI~t4X9Hn9-AM7W3poI80mjbqno5yYQjT4fUK-rhLNM8U4XyfY8u~uBY-NF5TxcXvZ0pYifDBAz-4B~TiJuM~5dmQ7Gb00wbw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security on May 14 criticized ICE for denying unannounced congressional inspections of detention facilities and questioned the agency’s transparency after a recent string of deaths in custody.

“Members of Congress do not have to request a tour of ICE detention centers to be allowed in,” Ranking Member Underwood said, citing federal law and asserting that ICE blocked an unannounced inspection at Delaney Hall in New Jersey last week. Underwood said ICE’s conduct “appears to be in violation of federal law.”

Acting Director Todd Lyons told the panel that ICE’s staff understands the oversight authorities in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020 and that the agency would facilitate oversight while asking that members and staff comply with security screening and safety rules. “We do acknowledge that any member of Congress does have the right to show up for an inspection of one of our facilities in their oversight capacity,” Lyons said, adding that tours have been scheduled and “the staff is fully aware of the appropriation act of 2020, specifically 532.”

Members also pressed Lyons on deaths in custody. Underwood said she had been notified of at least seven deaths in the prior four months and asked for ICE’s current tally since Jan. 20, 2025. Lyons responded: “Our total death in custody right now is up to 9.” He said ICE conducts investigations through the Office of Professional Responsibility and local jurisdictions and pledged to provide information required by congressional directives for public posting.

Lawmakers urged better reporting and questioned whether the agency had provided timely public disclosures; Lyons said ICE would work to return information to the committee and make it publicly available pursuant to the congressional directive cited in testimony.

No formal enforcement action was taken during the hearing. Members asked for written follow‑up and documentation from ICE about inspections, guidance to staff, and the status of investigations into deaths in custody.","Members of the House Appropriations Subcommittee criticized ICE for limiting congressional oversight of detention centers and pressed Acting Director Todd Lyons about a recent rise in deaths in ICE custody; Lyons reported nine deaths since January 20, 2025 and cited staff guidance about inspections under the Consolidated Appropriations Act.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6240992,"ICE warns of funding shortfall as removals surge, asks Congress for resources",2593,519000,3112000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3313052-83135d02c0c9605494ba316074e8b555&start=519&end=3112","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3313052-83135d02c0c9605494ba316074e8b555/thumbnail_519000.jpg","/articles/6240992/ICE-warns-of-funding-shortfall-as-removals-surge-asks-Congress-for-resources","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6240992-afd7c4bd835dc85a86ae18e2105c0b58/orig.mp4?Expires=1770926815&Signature=R7mll0UNP1Pso-uooD67PunTHuuuhlF05tJh7ZOr8tMBXub8AI5Z9jzYIwoqYtaVUTfIJ8fTvC3SzDSTmbE0uoWPJ~0kxg39~tJhU5B6EOs-AvfQ-Wjv5Fh47tGEBZmRrXVBTCwA9Eq6om01n0RNUFG5FOxSz3OYKUnquZOiPlrg5KI~mNd1ESnOAaC1zFQ9~kcEf5h2LnmgVqLYgWTpBK5bxp8y9aC23f7eNZFXZwOD5R0rD189nqa2xp10SsOR-pGLDDZgJLAAtyg3tin49vbIEnqUGW18hnn5DvyM92qFgy4fs1aPSVCbJYww4fHWFU5~35QdjXw9ZrSIKOu4bA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons told the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security on May 14 that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement faces a near‑term funding crunch and needs more detention, legal and transportation resources to sustain a sharp rise in removals.

Lyons said ICE has arrested more than 88,000 people so far in 2025 — a 39% increase from the same period in fiscal 2024 — and asked lawmakers for budget authority to support higher operational tempo. “We hold to remove,” Lyons said, describing detention as a means to effect removals rather than punitive confinement.

The request matters because, Lyons and several members told the committee, the agency is roughly two months from exhausting current funding levels if additional appropriations do not arrive. Ranking Member Underwood warned that relying on a reconciliation bill that has not passed Congress is “an incredibly risky strategy” that could lead to an Anti‑Deficiency Act violation. Lyons told members ICE is not “counting on reconciliation” and that the agency will work with the committee “to ensure we are financially responsible.”

Committee members pressed Lyons for specifics. He identified detention space and removal contracts as major budget drivers and said the agency needs more charter flights, additional immigration attorneys (Office of Principal Legal Advisors), and mission‑support staff to process removals faster and reduce time in custody. Lyons said ICE is forecasting a planning posture that could move toward 100,000 beds if additional reconciliation funding were available, but he emphasized that the agency does not currently have those funds.

Lyons told the committee ICE recently requested a reprogramming of $312.5 million intended to bring additional bed capacity online; he said that reprogrammed funding could help stand up up to 60,000 beds by early fourth quarter of the fiscal year. He also said ICE conducts “flights every day” and reported “just yesterday, we had over 55 missions going international.”

Members raised the operational cost and logistical challenge of removals, including obtaining travel documents from foreign governments, long deportation distances and the backlog in immigration courts that slows final removals. Lyons said those court delays are a “bottleneck” and urged support for additional OPLA attorneys and coordination with the Department of Justice to reduce the backlog.

The subcommittee did not take a formal vote. Lyons said ICE will provide additional data to members’ offices and work with the committee on funding and operational details.

Less critical details: members asked for follow‑ups on exact bed counts at Department of Defense sites and the cost per bed; Lyons said some of those answers are held by DOD and that ICE would provide exact numbers to members on request.","Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons told the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security that the agency faces near-term funding risks, needs more detention capacity and transport resources to meet increased removals, and is working with Congress to avoid an anti‑deficiency act violation.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

ICE highlights HSI task forces, DOD partnerships and Fort Bliss repatriation operations

Lawmakers and ICE clash over sanctuary policies, data sharing and 287(g) expansion

Lawmakers fault ICE oversight denials and press agency on deaths in custody

ICE warns of funding shortfall as removals surge, asks Congress for resources