Rep. Ted Lieu Accuses ICE of Acting Outside the Law, Raising Safety Concerns

The California congressman says ICE enforcement actions are forcing local law enforcement agencies to publicly push back, warning that unlawful conduct increases risks for officers and communities.

By: Haitian Prime News|January 21, 2026|United States

U.S. Representative Ted Lieu on Tuesday criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), alleging that the federal agency has engaged in unlawful actions that are now prompting public resistance from local law enforcement agencies across the country.

In a public statement, Lieu said ICE has become “out of control,” asserting that its enforcement practices have gone beyond legal limits and disrupted coordination with local authorities. According to the congressman, the situation has escalated to the point where police departments and sheriffs’ offices are holding press conferences, issuing formal statements, and participating in media interviews to distance themselves from ICE operations.

Lieu argued that ICE’s alleged disregard for established legal procedures is not only creating institutional conflict but also endangering officers on the ground. He warned that actions perceived as unlawful undermine public trust and heighten tensions during enforcement operations, placing both federal agents and local officers at greater risk.

“If ICE doesn’t want their officers to be put at more risk, they need to follow the law,” Lieu said.

The comments come amid renewed national debate over federal immigration enforcement and the role of local law enforcement agencies. In recent years, numerous cities and counties have adopted policies limiting cooperation with ICE, citing constitutional concerns, liability risks, and community safety considerations.

While the Department of Homeland Security has consistently maintained that ICE operates within the law and prioritizes public safety, civil rights organizations, immigrant advocates, and some elected officials have continued to challenge the agency’s practices through litigation, oversight hearings, and public criticism.

ICE has not issued an immediate response to Lieu’s remarks. The dispute underscores growing tensions between federal immigration authorities and local governments as immigration policy remains a deeply contested issue nationwide.

Sources

• Public statement by Rep. Ted Lieu (official social media account)

• U.S. Department of Homeland Security public statements on ICE enforcement authority