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Jack Posobiec
I want to take a second to.
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Jack Posobiec
This is what happens when the fourth turning meets fifth generation warfare.
Todd Lyons
A commentator, international social media sensation, and former Navy intelligence veteran.
Jack Posobiec
This is Human Events with your host, Jack Posobic. Christ is king. Well, ladies and gentlemen, welcome aboard today's edition of Human Events daily. Today is January 13, 2026 Anno Dominique. We are honored once again to have here on Human Events Daily, the director of ICE, Mr. Todd Lyons. Todd, thank you so much for joining us today.
Todd Lyons
Thanks, Jack. Good seeing you again.
Jack Posobiec
Well, Mr. Director, obviously a lot has changed since the last time you and I spoke right there on the south lawn of the White House. I've just gotten back from Minneapolis myself. Human Events does have a crew that's there on the field. What can you tell us about these operations in Minneapolis that the entire country is talking about? And specifically, I guess I would say, what do you think that the media is getting wrong about the narrative here?
Todd Lyons
You know, I think the first thing, Jack, that the mainstream media is really missing the point on is the fact that they're kind of painting this as an invasion of the Department of Homeland Security resources. Right. That there's such a big surge, you know, an overreach of the government. But what I think a lot of people are losing sight on is two, two really key things. Number one, the reason, what got us there in the first place, the, the fraudulent behaviors when it came to the Somali fraud, daycare fraud, social welfare fraud at the tune of almost $9 billion. Right. So we did front load a lot of Homeland Security Investigations special agents up there for that. So that was number one. Number two, obviously Minnesota, Minneapolis in general is a sanctuary city. So we were already conducting our lawful law enforcement missions while we were out there. You know, ICE has always been in Minnesota for ever since the inception of ice, I would say for two decades plus, we've had a field office for enforcement removal operations, as well as a SAC office, special Agent in charge for Homeland Security investigations up there. So we've always been in Minnesota So we have seen such an increase of criminally illegal aliens that were not turned over to ICE or other federal authorities and re released back onto the streets of not only Minneapolis, but Minnesota. So we were already there conducting our law enforcement mission. Now you take those two parts and incorporate the fact that what the mainstream media is showing is our reaction to all the protesters, the, you know, the violent agitators, the vehicle rammings, etc. After us getting on scene and trying to arrest one of these criminal legal aliens, we usually make an arrest, five, six special agents, deportation officers. Now we're having to go out with almost 15 we law enforcement officers just to provide security for that team making that arrest. So obviously Minneapolis police were not coming to our help. Minnesota State Police weren't coming to our help. Yesterday there was a press conference from the Attorney General, Keith Ellison, and from the mayor that talked about the reason why they were suing dhs. And they highlighted the fact that we're not in Texas or Florida or Utah. Well, what I say to that is when we do conduct our operations down there, a, they are turning individuals over to us, and B, if we have a situation like this, local and state law enforcement partners come to our aid and help federal law enforcement officers. We're not seeing that. So there are so many incidents that the mainstream media is showing that is just totally unavoidable because of these violent agitators and protesters that are being fueled by such political rhetoric all across this country.
Jack Posobiec
Now, Director Lyons, I've got some of the stats here as well and the numbers that I'm looking at, and correct me if I'm wrong, but it says Minnesota and Minneapolis officials have refused to honor over 1,360 ICE detainers. And for folks who don't understand this, the way a detainer works is that means someone who's been arrested for something else that they just hold on to, hold on to them in custody and then remand them to ICE now, because they're not honoring these detainers, that's the reason why these operations have to take place. But because in other states where you do have that level of local law enforcement cooperation, or I should say really local political cooperation, because that seems to be what the hangup is. These handoffs can happen at a jailhouse, it can happen at a courthouse, a prison site, something where it's safe, it's controlled. But now when they're just letting them out into the public, that's what's creating such a dangerous situation. Not just for your agents. And officers in ICE hsi, but also for the public at large. Do I have that right? It's almost 1500 that they haven't honored.
Todd Lyons
Yep, almost 1500. And if you look at it right, Jack, you make a great point to the fact that I would much rather have the men and women of ICE go into a secure location. You know, even if they don't want to hold them the 24, 48 hours for us to get there, just notify us that hey, in the next two hours we're going to release this individual and we will come meet them. We'll meet you at the back door. But you know, one thing that you always hear about, these agencies or state officials say, you know, they don't have to honor the ICE detainers, which they don't. But what boggles my mind is the fact that these law enforcement agencies have already deemed this person a public safety threat. You've already taken the actions and the steps to arrest and detain this individual. Why would you not want to turn them over to the federal authorities that could then handle that case to the next step? It absolutely makes no sense when they talk about sanctuary cities, protecting the public and protecting neighborhoods. How are you protecting the public if you re release a felon back into society? You know, I'll go back to Secretary Noem's just recent ride along with us up in St. Paul and the case that was highlighted. It was an individual that was let in under the last administration. It was known at the time that he had a conviction of 10 years plus for kidnapping, strangulation, and he was wanted in Ecuador for murder. He came into the United States. He is accused of sexual assault of a child in Connecticut. Fled Connecticut with this open warrant. It was now roaming the streets, working, hiding in plain sight in Minneapolis. I don't know anybody that wants to argue with me on the fact that ICE isn't protecting children and protecting neighborhoods when we're out arresting people just like that. And that's the 1300 that you talk about. You know, same day as Secretary Noem was out there, we had two individuals that were released from Rice county, which is close by. They had been released for aggravated sexual assault of a minor. So why would any politician want that individual back in their neighborhood?
Jack Posobiec
And we see this again and again, just like the one out in Portland where, you know, at first we hear that it was a man and a woman. Now it turns out there are a couple of trend. Aragua linked some kind of sex trafficking operation. Just some of the most horrible stuff that you see going on, and it's clear, by the way. And I remember the last time you came on, that's exactly what we talked about. You said that's the worst. Go first, that those are the individuals that are gonna be focused on. This isn't people who are just sort of, you know, running around. It's actually people who have committed these heinous violent crimes. Now, when we look at that red Ford, you mentioned the ramming attacks, and I wanted to drill down on that a little bit. Obviously, we've seen the incident that's gone throughout the country, throughout the world. People are talking about it. But tell people about the ramming attacks that have gone on as a persistent trend, because this isn't the first time we've seen this something like this, is it?
Todd Lyons
No. And unfortunately, it's really increased within the past several weeks. We can narrow it down to the past three weeks. We can say right up, maybe the week before Christmas. We've seen over, just alone with, with ICE, not counting our other federal partners, over 100 vehicle ramming, assault incidents with the car. We first saw this trend in maybe mid summer when we saw a lot of resistance, a lot of agitators, a lot of folks showing up at a law enforcement scene. They had no right to be there. And all of a sudden we have U.S. citizens, these other people, injecting themselves into an ICE arrest and using their vehicle to ram or impede special agents and deportation officers thinking that there weren't going to be any repercussions. So in the beginning, we saw the first few and we just couldn't believe what was going on. U.S. attorney's office was helping us. They were making the arrest. It was great. But now it's just common, the norm, like you would think. There's a playbook right now and that's what they're using. And you know, even the criminal illegal aliens now know, go ahead and just ram ICE vehicles, take off, drive through fences, try to run officers over, because day in, day out, that's a constant tool and impediment we're seeing not only in Minnesota, but all across the country.
Jack Posobiec
Well, and certainly it doesn't help when you have these disruptors that are showing up clearly, fine, clearly orchestrated, that are then aiding and abetting in the escape of these criminal illegal aliens. Direct lines. I know you have to run here. Just have a minute left. I did want to ask though. We know there's an investigation now that's pending into the officer involved shooting. Are you able to give us an update on that investigation at all.
Todd Lyons
Well, I can still know you. What I can say, Jack, is that we're working with our federal partners, with the FBI, Department of Justice. We're looking at all aspects of the case. But hopefully, you know, there'll be a lot of lessons learned from this. And I think on both sides, we have to go ahead and tone down this political rhetoric. And unfortunately, I truly believe that that's what led to this unfortunate incident. You know, our hearts, minds, and prayers go out to everyone that's involved. No one ever wants to see a deadly force incident. No law enforcement officer ever wants to be involved in a deadly force incident. But the political rhetoric and the demonization of ICE has to stop, and it has to stop with elected officials first.
Jack Posobiec
Well, I couldn't agree more. Director Lyons, thank you so much for your time. And our thoughts and prayers go out to the efforts of. Of your many agents and officers that are putting themselves in harm's way to take care of cleaning up our streets and cleaning up our country.
Todd Lyons
Thank you, Jack. Again, we really appreciate your continued support, and it's great seeing you again.
Jack Posobiec
God bless you. All right, folks, we'll be right back here. Human Events Daily. That's Director Todd Lyons of Immigration Customs Enforcement. Right.
Episode: Exclusive Interview with I.C.E Director Todd Lyons
Date: January 13, 2026
In this episode, host Jack Posobiec welcomes Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd Lyons for a hard-hitting conversation on the recent ICE operations in Minneapolis. The discussion dives into the realities behind the highly publicized actions, the challenges of sanctuary city policies, the dangers faced by ICE officers—including a startling trend of vehicle ramming attacks—and the impact of political rhetoric on law enforcement operations and public safety.
Quote [03:13]:
"We've always been in Minnesota... But we've seen such an increase of criminally illegal aliens that were not turned over to ICE or other federal authorities, and released back onto the streets."
— Todd Lyons
Quote [06:54]:
"Why would you not want to turn them over to the federal authorities that could then handle that case to the next step? ... How are you protecting the public if you re-release a felon back into society?"
— Todd Lyons
Quote [09:28]:
"You would think there's a playbook right now and that's what they're using... Even the criminal illegal aliens now know, go ahead and just ram ICE vehicles, take off, drive through fences, try to run officers over, because day in, day out, that's a constant tool and impediment."
— Todd Lyons
Quote [10:56]:
"No law enforcement officer ever wants to be involved in a deadly force incident. But the political rhetoric and the demonization of ICE has to stop, and it has to stop with elected officials first."
— Todd Lyons
| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote / Highlight | |-----------|--------------|---------------------| | 01:41 | Todd Lyons | “...the mainstream media is really missing the point ... What got us there ... the fraudulent behaviors ... at the tune of almost $9 billion.” | | 05:53 | Todd Lyons | “These law enforcement agencies have already deemed this person a public safety threat ... Why would you not want to turn them over to the federal authorities?” | | 06:54 | Todd Lyons | “How are you protecting the public if you re-release a felon back into society?” | | 08:59 | Todd Lyons | “We’ve seen over... over 100 vehicle ramming, assault incidents with the car...” | | 09:28 | Todd Lyons | “You would think there’s a playbook right now and that’s what they’re using.” | | 10:56 | Todd Lyons | “But the political rhetoric and the demonization of ICE has to stop, and it has to stop with elected officials first.” |
The conversation is urgent, assertive, and direct, with both Jack Posobiec and Todd Lyons expressing frustration over policy and safety gaps, the consequences of non-cooperation between federal and local authorities, and the dangers facing ICE officers. Lyons calls for de-escalation in political rhetoric and a recognition of ICE’s role in protecting public safety.
Summary for Listeners:
This episode provides a first-hand, unfiltered account of the realities behind high-profile ICE actions in Minneapolis. Listeners gain insight into operational challenges resulting from sanctuary city policies, the rise of violent resistance, and the profound impact of political rhetoric on the effectiveness and safety of federal law enforcement.