ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons to Resign in 2026

Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Todd Lyons announced his resignation Thursday, planning to depart the agency on May 31, 2026, after more than a year leading the federal immigration enforcement operations under President Donald Trump.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin confirmed the move in a statement, describing Lyons as a great leader who played a key role in removing individuals convicted of serious crimes from American communities. "Director Lyons has been a great leader of ICE and key player in helping the Trump administration remove murderers, rapists, pedophiles, terrorists, and gang members from American communities," Mullin said. "Thanks to his leadership, American communities are safer." Sources familiar with the matter told reporters that Lyons cited a desire to spend more time with his family, including his sons, and to pursue opportunities in the private sector.

Lyons, a 20-year veteran of ICE, was appointed acting director in March 2025, succeeding Caleb Vitello. Prior to that, he served as executive associate director of the agency's Enforcement and Removal Operations directorate, overseeing arrests and...