In a farewell interview before his retirement, outgoing Acting ICE Director Patrick Lechleitner expressed his frustration with the Biden administration's delayed response to the border crisis. He questioned the timing of the President's executive actions, implemented in June 2024, suggesting they should have been enacted sooner to address the escalating migrant surge.

Lechleitner, a two-decade veteran of the Department of Homeland Security, appeared on "FOX & Friends" to share his perspective. He acknowledged the helpful nature of the executive actions, which temporarily restricted border crossings when daily encounters surpassed a certain threshold, but emphasized the importance of earlier intervention.

The former director linked the record number of illegal immigrant encounters, exceeding 10.7 million under the Biden administration according to CBP data, to a strain on ICE's core mission. He explained that resources were diverted to border support, impacting the agency's ability to address other critical tasks, such as interior enforcement and fugitive operations.

Lechleitner also pointed to a significant increase in terror watchlist encounters under the current administration compared to the previous one. He stressed the need for increased funding for both the Secret Service and border patrol to alleviate the burden on ICE and allow the agency to focus on its primary responsibilities.

Addressing the criticism directed at ICE agents, Lechleitner emphasized the agency's non-partisan nature and its role in enforcing existing laws. He condemned the acts of vandalism and calls to abolish ICE, highlighting the dedication and risks faced by agents in their service to the community.