Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons Resigns, Will Depart End of May

Acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd Lyons has submitted his resignation to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Fox News has confirmed. Lyons will remain in his position through May 31 to facilitate a smooth leadership transition.

In his resignation letter, Lyons cited personal reasons for his departure, expressing a desire to spend more time with his family, particularly his sons who are “reaching a pivotal point in their lives.” He also noted that serving under the Trump administration has been a privilege.

Secretary Mullin praised Lyons’ tenure at ICE in a statement following the announcement: “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. He jumpstarted an agency that had not been allowed to do its job for four years. Thanks to his leadership, American communities are safer.”

Lyons, a 20-year veteran of ICE, has overseen approximately 584,000 deportations since President Donald Trump began his second term in January 2025. His extensive background in law enforcement and national security includes previous service in the U.S. Air Force special forces before joining ICE.

The resignation comes at a critical time for the agency, which has been at the forefront of the administration’s immigration enforcement policies. Under Lyons’ leadership, ICE has significantly increased deportation operations compared to previous years, aligning with President Trump’s campaign promises to strengthen immigration enforcement.

ICE has faced both praise and criticism for its enhanced enforcement activities during this administration. Supporters have lauded the agency’s focus on removing individuals with criminal records, while critics have questioned some of the broader enforcement tactics employed.

The timing of Lyons’ departure also comes as the administration continues to implement its broader border security strategy. ICE plays a crucial role in interior enforcement of immigration laws, complementing the efforts of Customs and Border Protection at the nation’s boundaries.

Immigration enforcement has remained a cornerstone policy priority during President Trump’s second term. The administration has touted increased deportation figures as evidence of its commitment to immigration enforcement and public safety, while immigrant advocacy groups have raised concerns about the scope and methods of enforcement operations.

Secretary Mullin’s statement concluded with well wishes for Lyons’ future endeavors: “We wish him luck on his next opportunity in the private sector. His last day is May 31, 2026.”

The Department of Homeland Security has not yet announced who will replace Lyons in the acting director position, nor whether a permanent director nomination is forthcoming. The leadership transition comes as ICE continues to play a significant role in the administration’s domestic security and immigration enforcement apparatus.

Lyons’ two decades of service at ICE spans multiple administrations, making him one of the more experienced senior officials in the agency’s history. His departure marks the end of a significant chapter for the organization as it continues to execute its enforcement mission under the current administration’s directives.