ICE Director Discusses Counterterrorism Efforts and Agent Morale Amidst Misinformation

Counterterrorism and Iranian Nationals

• 🎯 ICE is stepping up efforts to uncover Iranian sleeper cells operating within the US, focusing on high-priority targets including known terrorists.
• ⚠️ A total of 5,800 Iranian nationals are in immigration removal proceedings, with nearly 1300 having criminal convictions.
• 💡 The ICE Director stated that Americans should be concerned about sleeper cells but also confident in the administration's efforts to ensure safety.
• 🔍 In the past week, ICE has arrested at least 130 Iranian nationals, with 670 currently in ICE custody.

Addressing Public Concerns and Vigilance

• 🗣️ The ICE Director acknowledged a large population of known and suspected terrorists were admitted under the previous administration.
• 📢 The public is advised to be aware, cautious, but to continue living their lives, while remaining vigilant and cognizant of their surroundings.
• 🚨 The message is to "see something, say something" during public gatherings and celebrations.

Misinformation and Agent Morale

• 📰 Misinformation circulating online and in media has not always told the full story, such as instances where individuals wielding weapons were depicted as victims.
• 📈 Assaults on ICE agents and officers are reportedly up over 500% since protests and riots began nationwide.
• 💪 Despite increased work and challenges from misinformation and assaults, the ICE Director asserts that morale among agents has never been higher.
• ⚖️ Agents are described as sworn law enforcement officers who signed up to do a job and are now being allowed to do their job under the current administration.

Criminal History of Arrested Individuals

• 📊 ICE Director Todd Lyons reported that 70% of individuals arrested by ICE have some form of criminal history.
• 🚗 This criminal history includes offenses such as DUIs, theft, and other various crimes, not just border crossings.
• 🧍 The remaining 30% are considered collaterals, individuals associated with a target or in the wrong place at the wrong time.