Lyons' tenure was marked by aggressive enforcement, including doubling ICE's workforce to 22,000 and deporting 600,000 illegal immigrants in 2025, according to ICE. However, his leadership faced backlash over violent tactics, such as the shooting of a California man during a traffic stop, and unpopular raids in Democrat-run cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland. A source close to Lyons said he defended officers' rights to wear masks despite public safety concerns.
In January 2025, two protesters, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were shot dead in Minneapolis during street confrontations with federal agents, according to multiple reports. After the shootings, Trump ordered Kristi Noem to dial down tension, Greg Bovino was demoted, and Tom Homan was placed in charge. Operation Metro Surge was ended, and ICE forces withdrew from Minnesota.
During congressional testimony, Lyons declined to apologize to the families of the victims and declined to say whether he agreed with the Trump administration's claim that the citizens shot were 'domestic terrorists'. A Minnesota federal judge summoned Lyons to appear and warned he could be held in contempt for defying orders. A source familiar with the matter said Kristi Noem was later fired as DHS Secretary.
Let’s be clear: his appointment is to ensure Trump’s corporate bosses continue profiting from our communities’ pain.
Public opinion has turned against ICE. A Guardian analysis found that most people entering deportation proceedings in 2025 had no criminal conviction. A February poll found nearly two-thirds of Americans said ICE had gone too far, a March poll reported half of Americans would like to see ICE abolished, and a Fox News poll reported six in 10 voters disapproved of ICE's performance.
Ongoing tensions with state and local officials persist. Tom Homan has criticized New York Governor Kathy Hochul over new legislation protecting residents' rights. Miami has been assured by Secretary of State Marco Rubio that ICE will not be present in stadiums during the FIFA World Cup, according to Miami officials.
Illinois Democratic Representative Delia Ramirez criticized Venturella's appointment, saying on social media that his appointment ensures Trump's corporate bosses continue profiting from communities' pain.