ICYMI: ICE Director Resigns Hours After Underwood Questioning on Operation Midway Blitz
WASHINGTON — Representative Lauren Underwood, a member of the House Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, questioned U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons at a subcommittee hearing. Underwood challenged Lyons on ICE’s failure to provide a full accounting of the cost of Operation Midway Blitz to taxpayers, details that she has sought in formal inquiries to the agency for months. Within hours of Underwood’s questioning, Lyons resigned his position.
ICE provided an incomplete response to Underwood in writing following the hearing, reporting the cost of Operation Midway Blitz to taxpayers at over $15 million.
This response failed to provide the comprehensive data Underwood has repeatedly requested. This includes key cost categories such as equipment purchases; personnel and overtime expenses; travel and lodging; legal liabilities, including litigation, settlements, and administrative claims; as well as any outstanding obligations tied to the operation.
Underwood’s questioning directly stemmed from her January 21, 2026, oversight letters to ICE, CBP, and DHS leadership, which requested a detailed accounting of Operation Midway Blitz, including total expenditures, operational scope, and enforcement outcomes. Those requests sought information necessary for Congress to assess both the use of taxpayer funds and compliance with federal law, but key questions remain unanswered by the Trump administration.
Full text of Underwood’s letters can be found here:
Investigative letter to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Investigative letter to U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Investigative letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security
ICE’s written response to Rep. Underwood [From ICE on behalf of Todd Lyons, Acting ICE Director – April 21, 2026]:
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