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Executive Change · Government Policy · ICE · Immigration
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) acting director Todd Lyons, a key executor of President Donald Trump's mass deportations agenda, will resign at the end of May 2026, federal officials announced, transitioning to the private sector.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin confirmed Lyons' departure, praising his leadership in making communities safer. Lyons, appointed in March 2025, led ICE during a period of significant expansion, securing a massive cash infusion from Congress to boost hiring and detention capabilities, and increasing arrests to meet administration demands.
His tenure included controversial high-profile enforcement operations in cities like Chicago and Minneapolis, which faced backlash following the deaths of two American protesters, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, at the hands of federal immigration officers. Lyons declined to apologize for the characterization of Good or comment on active investigations into the shootings.
Public perception of ICE was low, with a February AP-NORC poll indicating most U.S. adults held an unfavorable view of the agency. Lyons' exit occurs as DHS operates under new leadership with Secretary Mullin, who has indicated a potentially softer approach to some contentious policies, and as ICE remains a flashpoint in Congress over funding and officer restraints.
