WASHINGTON – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) acting director Todd Lyons, a pivotal figure in President Donald Trump’s mass deportation strategy, is set to resign at the end of May, as announced by federal officials on Thursday.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin expressed his appreciation for Lyons’ leadership, highlighting his role in enhancing the safety of American communities. Lyons’ final day in office is slated for May 31.
In a statement, Mullin remarked, “We wish him luck on his next opportunity in the private sector.” The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has yet to respond to inquiries from The Associated Press regarding the reasons behind Lyons’ resignation.
Lyons, who took over as acting director in March 2025, played a significant role at an agency that was central to Trump’s immigration policies. Under his guidance, ICE received substantial funding from Congress, allowing for an expansion in hiring and detention capabilities, which facilitated an increase in arrests to meet the demands set forth by the administration.
The agency was involved in several high-profile immigration enforcement operations across American cities, notably in Chicago and Minneapolis. These operations faced significant backlash, particularly following the deaths of two protesters at the hands of federal immigration officers.
Stephen Miller, deputy chief of staff to Trump and a key architect of his immigration policies, praised Lyons as a “dedicated leader.” He stated, “His courageous work at ICE has saved countless thousands of American lives and helped deliver safety and tranquility to millions of Americans.”
White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson also commended Lyons, referring to him on social media as “an American patriot who made our country safer.”
As Lyons prepares to step down, the search for his successor begins. The incoming director will inherit an agency well-funded yet embroiled in controversy. ICE remains a contentious issue in Congress, with Democratic lawmakers pushing for restrictions on immigration officers before agreeing to restore routine funding for the DHS.
On the day of his announcement, Lyons, accompanied by two other senior immigration officials, testified before a House subcommittee regarding his agency’s budget, facing ongoing scrutiny from lawmakers over ICE’s operations.
Lyons’ resignation occurs amid a transitional phase for the DHS, following the dismissal of former Secretary Kristi Noem, who oversaw significant immigration policy changes during Trump’s administration. Mullin, who assumed the secretary role last month, is expected to continue promoting the president’s agenda, albeit with a potentially softer approach to some contentious policies.
Public sentiment towards ICE has been notably negative during Lyons’ tenure. A February AP-NORC poll indicated that a majority of U.S. adults, including independents, held an unfavorable view of the agency.
During his time in Congress, Lyons faced intense questioning regarding the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, with lawmakers asking if he would issue an apology for the portrayal of Good as an agitator by some officials. Lyons refrained from commenting on active investigations but expressed a willingness to speak privately with the affected families.
Having joined ICE in 2007 as an immigration enforcement agent in Texas, Lyons signed a memo that granted federal immigration officers broad powers to forcibly enter homes and execute arrests without a judge’s warrant.
Tom Homan, Trump’s border czar, characterized Lyons as a selfless public servant, stating he was “a highly respected and effective acting Director of ICE.”
Golden reported from Seattle.
