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ICE acting director announces resignation
Todd Lyons, the acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), will leave his post at the end of May to enter the private sector, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin confirmed on Thursday.
Career spanning two decades
Lyons, who has served in federal law enforcement for nearly 20 years, previously worked as a police officer and in the U.S. Air Force. He was appointed acting ICE director by President Donald Trump in March 2025, following the reassignment of Caleb Vitello.
Record deportations under Lyons' leadership
During his tenure, ICE carried out hundreds of thousands of deportations, achieving what border tsar Tom Homan described as a "record number of removals in the first year of this Administration, despite unprecedented challenges."
Since Trump's return to the White House in January 2025, ICE has expanded its operations, leading to thousands of arrests and heightened tensions with protesters opposing the agency's actions.
Controversy and congressional scrutiny
ICE has faced intense criticism for its role in Trump's mass deportation efforts. In February, Lyons and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Rodney Scott defended the administration's immigration policies during a contentious congressional hearing.
"Let me send a message to anyone who thinks they can intimidate us. You will fail,"
Todd Lyons, during a February congressional hearing
The hearing followed the fatal shooting of two U.S. citizens, Alex Pretti and Renee Good, by ICE agents, an incident that sparked nationwide outrage.
Transition and future leadership
Lyons' departure leaves a significant vacancy at ICE, which employs over 27,400 people. Secretary Mullin, who was confirmed to his role last month, will oversee the search for Lyons' successor.
Trump appointed Mullin, a former senator, to lead the Department of Homeland Security in March, replacing Kristi Noem. Since then, ICE's budget and mission have expanded under the administration's immigration enforcement priorities.
