ICE chief says agents have to wear masks because of threats

ICE reveals 'operation Patriot'

Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin said in a post: "Multiple ICE sources confirm to @FoxNews that ICE targeted Massachusetts & Boston in its biggest operation yet, netting the arrests of 1,461 illegal aliens in MA & the Greater Boston area. 790 had criminal convictions or charges, while 277 had final orders of removal/deportation orders. The operation ended on Saturday."

LOS ANGELES - A dramatic immigration enforcement raid at a popular San Diego restaurant has reignited debate over ICE’s tactics as arrests rise sharply under President Donald Trump’s renewed push for mass deportations. The acting head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Todd Lyons, became emotional when defending his agents’ use of masks and tactical gear during a Monday press conference announcing nearly 1,500 arrests in Massachusetts.

The restaurant raid drew intense backlash from California officials, especially as agents clashed with onlookers and deployed smoke bombs during the Friday operation. ICE is now averaging more than double the number of daily arrests compared to earlier this year.

Why did the ICE raid in San Diego spark criticism?

Local perspective:

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said he was "deeply upset" by the operation, which took place just before the dinner rush at Buona Forchetta, a well-known restaurant in the South Park neighborhood.

As agents in heavy tactical gear arrived, smoke bombs filled the air and a crowd formed outside, creating a chaotic scene that drew condemnation from city leaders.

Councilman Sean Elo-Rivera posted on Instagram that ICE officers are "terrorists," calling the operation "state-sponsored terrorism." The Department of Homeland Security called the remarks "sickening," while Elo-Rivera stood by his comments.

Restaurant owners announced a two-day closure following the raid, writing: "The traumatic incident involving a federal enforcement operation at our original and beloved South Park location has left a mark on all of us. A wound that is still raw, still echoing in our kitchens, our dining rooms, and our hearts."

What is ICE saying about its tactics?

What they're saying:

Lyons grew emotional during a Monday press conference when asked about agents wearing masks. "I’m sorry if people are offended by them wearing masks," he said, adding that ICE agents and their families have received death threats. "I’m not going to let my officers and agents go out there and put their lives on the line, their family on the line because people don’t like what immigration enforcement is."

He added: "Is that the issue here that we’re just upset about the masks? Or is anyone upset about the fact that ICE officers’ families were labeled terrorists?"

How many arrests is ICE making now?

By the numbers:

ICE has sharply increased enforcement activity. Lyons said on Fox & Friends that the agency is now averaging 1,600 arrests per day. That’s more than double the pace earlier this year, when ICE reported about 78,000 arrests between Jan. 20 and May 19—an average of 656 per day.

FILE - An ICE officer in tactical gear stands outside an industrial facility during an enforcement operation. ICE officials say agents now wear masks and protective equipment due to threats and heightened tensions amid a nationwide surge in arrests. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)

Former Trump adviser Stephen Miller recently said the administration’s goal is 3,000 arrests per day, though that level would likely exceed ICE’s current funding limits. ICE averaged over 46,000 detainees in May, already above its budgeted capacity.

What are sanctuary cities and why are they being blamed?

The other side:

Lyons said operations like the one in Massachusetts wouldn’t be necessary if sanctuary cities changed their policies. While there is no legal definition, sanctuary jurisdictions typically limit local law enforcement’s cooperation with ICE.

A now-deleted Homeland Security list identified more than 500 such jurisdictions, but it was taken down following concerns about inaccuracies—even from ICE allies.

At the press conference, Lyons stood near a poster board of mug shots of unnamed individuals. ICE did not release a full list of the 1,500 people arrested or the charges they face, though Lyons described them broadly as "dangerous criminals" who are "terrorizing family, friends and our neighbors."

What happened during the South Carolina nightclub raid?

The backstory:

In a separate operation, federal, state, and local authorities conducted a 3 a.m. raid at a nightclub in Charleston County, South Carolina, which officials described as a "cartel after-party." Authorities said 66 people who were in the U.S. illegally were arrested during the sweep.

Homeland Security Investigations special agent Cardell Morant confirmed the raid but did not release further details about charges or detentions.