A leadership change is underway at the nation’s top immigration enforcement agency, as Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons prepares to leave his post after years in federal service.
According to Fox News, Lyons submitted his resignation on Thursday to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, confirming he will remain in the role through May 31 to help guide the transition.
According to a source familiar with the letter, Lyons cited personal reasons for stepping aside, including a desire to spend more time with his family.
He noted that his sons are “reaching a pivotal point in their lives,” and described his tenure as a privilege while serving under President Donald Trump.
During his time leading Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Lyons oversaw a significant number of deportations — roughly 584,000 since Trump returned to office last year, according to officials.
In a statement, Mullin praised Lyons’ tenure and the agency’s work under his leadership.
“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.
“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, who has spent two decades with ICE, also previously served in special forces in the U.S. Air Force.
Officials say he plans to transition into the private sector following his departure.
“We wish him luck on his next opportunity in the private sector. His last day is May 31, 2026,” Mullin added.
Additional praise came from Tom Homan, who highlighted Lyons’ performance during a period of intensified enforcement.
“Todd has served selflessly as a highly respected and effective acting Director of U.S. ICE,” Homan said.
“Under his leadership, ICE achieved a record number of removals in the first year of this Administration, despite unprecedented challenges, delivering on the President’s promise to deport illegal aliens who have no right to be in the U.S., especially those that are public safety risks or pose a threat to our national security.”
White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller also commended Lyons’ work.
“Todd is a phenomenal patriot and dedicated leader who has been at the center of President Trump’s historic efforts to secure our homeland and reverse the Democrats’ sinister border invasion,” Miller said.
“His courageous work at ICE has saved countless thousands of American lives and helped deliver safety and tranquility to millions of Americans.”
Lyons’ departure marks the end of a long career in law enforcement, as the administration prepares for new leadership at ICE in the coming weeks.
