Immigration Official Defends Trump’s Expanded Travel Restrictions as Security Concerns Escalate

Todd Lyons, acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, defended President Donald Trump’s decision to expand U.S. travel restrictions to 20 more countries on Wednesday, stating the move prioritizes public safety over race after two National Guard troops were fatally shot in Washington last month.

Lyons told Newsmax during a segment on “Rob Schmitt Tonight” that critics labeling the expanded restrictions racist have misunderstood the administration’s rationale. Trump announced the new measures Tuesday, increasing the number of affected countries to 39 following authorities’ warning about heightened terrorism and border security risks linked to the Nov. 26 shooting.

“We know it’s not racist,” Lyons said. “We have to go ahead, and we have to take care of the American people.”

Lyons emphasized the need for rigorous vetting processes, noting Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has confirmed the administration will block entry for individuals deemed potential threats. “She’s not going to allow anyone in this country that is going to be a potential harm or potential threat,” he stated.

The acting director cited global incidents—including knife attacks, car rammings and bombings—to justify expanded restrictions. “We’ve seen it all across the globe where free immigration and no immigration constraints have led to these attacks,” Lyons said. “We can’t have that in the United States.”

Lyons also criticized France’s decision to cancel its New Year’s Eve celebration amid security concerns, calling it an example of yielding to terrorism rather than following U.S. preparedness standards. “That’s what we shouldn’t be doing,” he added.

He highlighted ICE’s origins after the Sept. 11 attacks, stating: “ICE is an agency born out of 9/11. It’s the second-largest law enforcement agency in the U.S. We know we can go out there and counter these terrorist threats.”

Lyons further condemned lax immigration enforcement under the Biden administration, warning that a porous border demands constant vigilance—especially for individuals from high-threat countries like Afghanistan and Somalia. “We have to constantly vet these people,” he said. “Terrorists could exploit U.S. immigration pathways if safeguards are weakened.”