Human Events Daily with Jack Posobiec

Episode: Exclusive Interview with I.C.E Director Todd Lyons
Date: January 13, 2026

Episode Overview

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.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The True Nature of ICE Operations in Minneapolis

• [01:14] Jack Posobiec kicks off by asking about the media’s portrayal of ICE activity in Minneapolis, where recent enforcement operations have drawn national attention.
• Todd Lyons [01:41]: Responds that the media misrepresents the surge in DHS presence as an “overreach.” In reality, the operation was prompted by:
  • Massive social welfare and daycare fraud by Somali groups amounting to nearly $9 billion.
  • Existing law enforcement needs; ICE has had a decade-long presence in Minnesota due to a persistent influx of criminally charged illegal aliens released by local authorities, not handed over to ICE.
• Sanctuary City Dynamics: Minneapolis has not cooperated with federal detainer requests, resulting in an increased need for on-the-ground ICE presence.

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

2. The Detainer Dilemma: Sanctuary City Policies & Safety Threats

• [04:44] Jack cites ICE’s own data: “Minnesota and Minneapolis officials have refused to honor over 1,360 ICE detainers.”
• Todd Lyons [05:53]: Explains that refusing detainers forces ICE to conduct arrests in uncontrolled public environments, endangering agents and the public.
  • Calls out the contradiction: Local law enforcement already deemed these individuals public safety threats by arresting them—why release them instead of coordinating with ICE?
• Highlights real cases, including one of a man with a record of kidnapping, strangulation, and a murder warrant in Ecuador, who was later accused of sexual assault of a child in Connecticut but evaded authorities by hiding in Minneapolis.

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

3. The Rise of Vehicle Ramming Attacks Against ICE

• [08:03] Jack brings up the trend of vehicle ramming against ICE officers.
• Todd Lyons [08:59]: Breakdown:
  • Over 100 vehicle ramming or assault incidents with cars in just three weeks (mid-December to early January).
  • Originated in mid-summer with rising resistance during ICE arrests—agitators, sometimes U.S. citizens, using cars to interfere.
  • This tactic has spread and normalized, increasing risks for officers nationwide.

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

4. The Impact of Political Rhetoric

• [10:17] Jack notes the orchestration among activists and the looming investigation into an officer-involved shooting.
• Todd Lyons [10:41]: Responds:
  • Investigation is active with federal partners (FBI/DOJ).
  • Emphasizes underlying issues: “We have to tone down this political rhetoric,” blaming demonization of ICE and incendiary political language for escalating confrontations.

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

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| 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.” |

Key Timestamps

• [01:14–04:44] Minneapolis ICE operation context, misconceptions, and the sanctuary city impact
• [04:44–08:03] ICE detainers explained; stories of public safety threats released into communities
• [08:03–10:17] Vehicle ramming trend; escalation of violence and challenges in field operations
• [10:17–11:20] Pending investigation into officer-involved shooting; the harm of political rhetoric

Tone & Takeaways

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.