WASHINGTON D.C February 11, 2026 – The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has firmly denied claims that its operations are influenced by Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies or that agents target individuals based on race, gender, or creed.
In a direct response posted on X (formerly Twitter) on February 11, 2026, ICE stated: “Rep. Goldman, unlike you and your fellow members, ICE does not practice DEI. We do not, and have never, targeted individuals based on race, gender, or creed. ICE’s targeted enforcement operations prioritize criminal aliens who do not belong in America.”
The statement, accompanied by a video (approximately 61 seconds long), appears to be a rebuttal to criticisms raised by Representative Daniel Goldman during a recent congressional hearing or public exchange regarding ICE practices. The post has garnered significant attention, with over 2,300 likes, nearly 400 reposts, and tens of thousands of views within hours.
ICE emphasized that its enforcement priorities focus exclusively on individuals with criminal records who are in the country unlawfully, describing such operations as necessary to maintain national security and public safety.
The official statement quickly sparked a polarized reaction online. Supporters praised ICE for clarifying its mission and rejecting what they view as politically motivated attacks. Several users echoed sentiments that enforcement should remain crime-focused rather than identity-based, with comments such as “It’s about crime. Not race.” and defenses of deportation efforts targeting “criminal aliens.”
Critics, however, questioned the agency’s claim of non-discrimination, pointing to patterns in enforcement data or suggesting that operations disproportionately affect certain demographic groups. Some replies accused ICE of selective enforcement or referenced past reports alleging profiling. A few users shared images or additional clips in response, while others expressed frustration with congressional oversight of immigration agencies.
The exchange highlights ongoing tensions in U.S. immigration policy debates, particularly around enforcement priorities, congressional scrutiny, and accusations of bias in federal operations under the current administration.
ICE’s official X account (@ICEgov) regularly communicates agency positions, updates on operations, and responses to public or political commentary. No further details on the specific context of Rep. Goldman’s remarks were provided in the post itself.
This development comes amid continued national discussions on border security, deportation policies, and the role of federal agencies in immigration enforcement.
About The Author
