Press Releases

Kennedy Questioned DHS Leaders on Constitutional Violations, Use of Deadly Force, and Accountability During Committee Hearing

ICE Director Lyons Rejects Removal of Masks on ICE Agents

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26), a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, participated today in a hearing examining oversight of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its immigration enforcement agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). When pressed by Kennedy, DHS leaders refused to take accountability for the fatal shootings of U.S. citizens in Minneapolis, evaded questions about Secretary Noem’s failed leadership, and flatly rejected the calls to unmask ICE agents.

(Congressman Kennedy’s Full Remarks Here)

“The fact that our government murders American citizens, lies about it, and then refuses to investigate or seek justice is beyond abhorrent, it’s un-American, ” said Congressman Kennedy. “Mr. Lyons, in America, we shouldn’t have secret police. We shouldn’t have masked government agents executing citizens in the streets. The Constitution does not give your agency the right to hide their faces while they kill Americans.”

During his questioning, Congressman Kennedy focused on the killing of two U.S. citizens, Renée Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, during recent immigration enforcement operations and the broader pattern of blatant constitutional violations by DHS agencies. Kennedy further challenged administration officials on the repeated violation of court orders, the use of masked agents, and the administration’s refusal to allow independent investigations into the use of deadly force by federal agents. When asked by Kennedy whether ICE intends to require agent identification during enforcement operations, Director Lyons declined.

Kennedy remains committed to conducting vigorous oversight of DHS and to protecting the constitutional rights and safety of all people living in the United States. Kennedy will continue pressing for transparency, independent investigations, accountability from Secretary Noem, and meaningful reforms to ensure federal law enforcement agencies uphold the law. 

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