ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons Departs Department of Homeland Security
Acting ICE leader Todd Lyons will leave the Department of Homeland Security, DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin announced Thursday. Lyons’ final day is May 31.
Departure details
Mullin praised Lyons for making communities safer and wished him well in the private sector. The secretary did not give a reason for the departure.
Appointments and timing
President Donald Trump named Lyons acting director in March 2025. Lyons replaced Caleb Vitello, who was reassigned.
Mullin himself was appointed by Trump after Kristi Noem was removed. The Senate confirmed Mullin on March 23.
Operations and controversy
Lyons led ICE during broad immigration crackdowns that focused on Democratic-run cities. Those operations sparked large protests and heated criticism.
At a February congressional hearing, Lyons said ICE carried out 379,000 arrests in the administration’s first year. He also reported more than 475,000 removals during that period.
Fatal incidents in Minneapolis
Federal agents fatally shot two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis in January. The victims were identified as Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
At the congressional hearing, Lyons declined to apologize for those shootings.
Reactions from the administration
White House border czar Tom Homan credited Lyons with record removals during the administration’s first year. Homan praised Lyons’ law enforcement career and contributions.
White House adviser Stephen Miller called Lyons a patriot and a key figure in the administration’s border efforts. Other officials offered similar commendations.
What comes next
Mullin did not announce a successor for ICE in his statement Thursday. It remains unclear who will lead the agency after Lyons’ departure.
Reporting by Filmogaz.com.
