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Acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd Lyons is speaking out forcefully against Democrat politicians who, he says, are putting federal agents at risk with reckless rhetoric.

In a video message, Lyons directly called out Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, warning:

“Stop putting my people in danger.”

Lyons accused both Democrats of stirring outrage and “hurting” law enforcement with “ridiculous rhetoric and inflammatory comments.”

Wu recently accused ICE of behaving like “secret police,” claiming:

“People are terrified for their lives… folks getting snatched off the street by secret police, who are wearing masks … who can offer no justification for why certain people are being taken and then … detained.”

In response, U.S. Attorney Leah Foley explained the use of masks:

“Federal agents in marked jackets and vests are masking their faces because people like Mayor Wu have created false narratives about their mission.

“Federal agents and their children are being threatened, doxxed, and assaulted — that is why they must hide their faces.”

John Hoffman, a State Senator from Minnesota, also made headlines by joining Republicans on key votes. His decision to break ranks with his party has not gone unnoticed and may have contributed to the tensions leading to the shooting. Hoffman’s actions raise questions about party loyalty and the pressures lawmakers face when making controversial decisions.

Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman (DFL-Champlin), a member of the Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party, has a history of occasionally voting with Republicans, reflecting his commitment to bipartisanship, particularly on human services and disability-related issues. Below are documented instances in 2025 where Hoffman voted with Republicans, based on available information:

Delay of Paid Family and Medical Leave Implementation (2025):

Hoffman voted with Republicans to delay the implementation of Minnesota’s paid family and medical leave program, a key DFL initiative. This vote was notable as it diverged from the DFL’s push to advance progressive labor policies, reflecting a pragmatic approach in a closely divided legislature.

Rejection of Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Omnibus Bill (HF2563, May 2025):

On May 18, 2025, Hoffman was the lone Democrat to vote with Republicans against HF2563, the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Omnibus bill. This bill proposed funding projects to protect Minnesota’s land, water, and environment, allocating $777 million previously approved by voters through the Legacy Act. Hoffman’s “No” vote aligned with 29 Republicans against 33 Democrats and four Republicans who voted “Yes.” His reasoning isn’t explicitly detailed, but it may reflect concerns over specific provisions or fiscal priorities.

Clarification on MinnesotaCare Repeal Vote:

Contrary to some claims on X, Hoffman did not vote with Republicans on June 9, 2025, to repeal MinnesotaCare eligibility for illegal alien adults. He voted “No” on HF1, aligning with most DFL senators against the repeal, which passed with a 37-30 vote due to four other DFL senators (Grant Hauschild, Ann Rest, Robert Kupec, and Erin Murphy) joining Republicans. The misinformation stemmed from unverified X posts, but legislative records confirm his opposition to the repeal.