Trump Admin ICE Chief Has Been Hospitalized for Stress: Report

Todd Lyons, acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) director, has been hospitalized twice with stress-related issues under the Trump administration, Politico reported Friday. The official had also become so stressed on one occasion that a bodyguard borrowed a defibrillator from a government office, in case Lyons needed medical help while on the road. Officials not authorized to speak publicly told Politico that senior White House adviser Stephen Miller, who has spearheaded immigration policy across both of President Donald Trump's terms in the Oval Office, has often yelled at Lyons on morning phone calls.

Miller has been reported to have set high targets for ICE arrests and deportations, but the agency has struggled to significantly increase numbers. Lyons has appeared before lawmakers in recent months, as they scrutinized ICE and the Border Patrol's actions in Minneapolis, where two U.S. citizens were fatally shot by agents.

In a statement to Politico, the ICE chief said any stress he experienced was not due to pressure from the White House. "

Shame on Politico and Daniel Lippman for publishing such inaccurate trash," Abigail Jackson, a White House spokesperson told Newsweek. "

Todd, Stephen, and the entire White House team have a great working relationship and coordinate closely to deliver on the President’s many promises. "

Todd Lyons is an American patriot who has worked tirelessly to undo Biden's disastrous immigration policies that wreaked havoc on American communities. And the American people are deeply appreciative for his hard work making our country safer. Despite multiple on record denials and sources refuting their pathetic 'reporting' they still ran with this absurd article."

Newsweek reached out to the Department of Homeland Security and ICE for comment via email Friday afternoon. This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.