By Blessing Nweke
Acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement director Todd Lyons will step down from his role at the Department of Homeland Security on May 31, according to an announcement made Thursday by Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin.
Mullin praised Lyons’ tenure, stating that his leadership helped make American communities safer, while wishing him success as he transitions to the private sector. No reason was given for Lyons’ departure, and officials did not immediately name a successor.
Lyons has led ICE during a period marked by aggressive immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump, who appointed him acting director in March 2025. He replaced Caleb Vitello, who was reassigned. Mullin himself was confirmed to head the Department of Homeland Security in March after Trump dismissed Kristi Noem.
During Lyons’ tenure, ICE conducted large-scale immigration crackdowns, particularly in Democratic-led cities, sparking widespread protests and criticism. The operations were further overshadowed by fatal incidents in Minneapolis earlier this year, where federal agents shot and killed two U.S. citizens, identified as Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
At a congressional hearing in February, Lyons defended the agency’s record, noting that ICE carried out 379,000 arrests and more than 475,000 removals during the administration’s first year. He declined to apologize for the Minneapolis shootings, drawing backlash from critics.
Despite the controversy, senior administration figures, including White House border czar Tom Homan and adviser Stephen Miller, commended Lyons’ leadership, citing record enforcement numbers and his role in advancing the administration’s immigration agenda.
Original article
Comments