WASHINGTON — The acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Todd Lyons, will step down from his position on May 31, federal authorities confirmed Thursday.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin revealed Lyons’ upcoming departure, praising his tenure as head of the immigration enforcement agency. Mullin credited Lyons with strengthening community safety during his time leading ICE.
“We wish him luck on his next opportunity in the private sector,” Mullin stated.
Lyons began his career with ICE in 2007, starting as an immigration enforcement officer in Texas before rising to lead the agency that became central to President Trump’s immigration reform initiatives.
During Lyons’ tenure, Congress provided ICE with significant additional funding, which the agency used to expand its workforce and detention facilities while increasing arrest operations to align with administration priorities.
The agency conducted several prominent enforcement actions in major metropolitan areas, including operations in Chicago and Minneapolis. These deployments were later halted following public outcry after two American protesters, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were killed during the operations.
The identity of Lyons’ replacement remains unknown. The incoming director will inherit an agency with substantial resources but also ongoing political tensions. Congressional Democrats are pushing for new restrictions on immigration enforcement officers before agreeing to approve standard DHS funding.
White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson praised Lyons on social media platform X, describing him as “an American patriot who made our country safer.”
Stephen Miller, who serves as the president’s deputy chief of staff and designed the administration’s immigration strategy, also commended Lyons’ service.
“His courageous work at ICE has saved countless thousands of American lives and helped deliver safety and tranquility to millions of Americans,” Miller stated.
Officials have not disclosed the reasons behind Lyons’ decision to resign.
Public opinion polling shows ICE faced criticism during Lyons’ leadership. An AP-NORC survey conducted in February found that most Americans, including independent voters, viewed the agency unfavorably.
During congressional testimony, lawmakers questioned Lyons about the fatal shootings of Good and Pretti, asking whether he would apologize for how some administration officials described Good as a troublemaker. Lyons refused to offer an apology.
“I welcome the opportunity to speak to the family in private. But I’m not going to comment on any active investigation,” Lyons responded.
When asked about video footage of Pretti’s shooting, Lyons acknowledged viewing it but declined to discuss details, citing the ongoing investigation.
Under Lyons’ authority, ICE implemented a policy memo, initially revealed by The Associated Press, that authorized federal immigration officers to enter private residences and conduct arrests without obtaining warrants from judges.
Tom Homan, Trump’s border security coordinator, praised Lyons’ dedication, describing him as “a highly respected and effective acting Director of ICE” who served with distinction.
