Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons Denies Existence of Database Tracking US Citizens

Why It Matters

The denial seeks to defuse concerns about federal surveillance of lawful protest, but the unresolved Maine incident and agency ambiguity could fuel further oversight, legal challenges, and public distrust regarding civil liberties and ICE practices.

Summary

Acting ICE director Todd Lyons told lawmakers that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement does not maintain any database tracking American citizens or protesters. He repeatedly denied that agents photograph or catalog First Amendment activity, and declined to explain an incident in Maine where an officer told a protester their face would be put in a "little database," saying he could not speak for that individual. Lyons insisted no system exists to track citizens and characterized the suggestion as inaccurate. The exchange came amid congressional scrutiny over law enforcement surveillance of domestic political activity.

Original Description

Despite reports to the contrary, Todd Lyons said the agency is not surveilling American citizens or building a database of detractors.

Learn more: https://fedscoop.com/ice-dhs-database-surveillance-technology-hearing/

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