Congressman Mackenzie Questions ICE Acting Director at Homeland Security Committee Hearing

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-7), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, participated in questioning witnesses from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today during a hearing on the Department's practices. The oversight hearing, which was scheduled in mid-January, afforded members of the House Homeland Security Committee the opportunity to question witnesses, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Rodney Scott, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph Edlow.

"It is always important for Congress to conduct oversight," said Congressman Mackenzie. "DHS does essential work throughout our nation, including securing our borders, getting criminals off the streets, and investigating heinous crimes such as trafficking and child exploitation. At the same time, it's important that DHS practices and protocol feature the accountability, transparency, and high standards that the American people expect and deserve. Today's hearing gave us the opportunity to better understand these practices, and consider potential avenues for reform."

Congressman Mackenzie asked two questions of ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons, the first of which focused on allegations that the agency has detained American citizens, and the second relating to concerns about sanctuary cities.

"As we consider law enforcement reforms, it's important that we pair transparency and accountability with increased cooperation between law enforcement at all levels," said Congressman Mackenzie. "I appreciated Director Lyons' clear answers regarding ICE's policy of only charging American citizens in cases of criminal acts like terrorism and trafficking, and I emphasized to him the importance of transparency in these cases. Moving forward, transparency, accountability, and cooperation at all levels will be essential in improving public safety, enforcing the law, and achieving necessary reforms."

See the Congressman's questions HERE.