Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons to Depart This Spring

S. S. officials familiar with his plan. Lyons, who has led the agency for over a year, informed colleagues of his intention to depart in June. He cited a desire to spend more time with family, including his sons, in Massachusetts, and he is expected to join the private sector.

The move comes as ICE continues to play a central role in deportation operations under the current administration. Lyons was named acting ICE director in March 2025. The agency has lacked a Senate-confirmed head since early 2017.

Leadership Transition

Officials confirmed Lyons' last official day is set for May 31.

A statement from a Homeland Security official praised Lyons as a leader who helped remove individuals with criminal backgrounds from communities and restarted agency operations after previous restrictions. ICE has faced scrutiny from lawmakers and the public over its operations, including calls for reforms and funding disputes contributing to a partial government shutdown.

Career Background

Lyons is a two-decade ICE veteran and an Air Force veteran who deployed overseas.

He joined ICE in 2007 as an agent in Dallas and advanced through roles, including field office director for the Boston region covering New England. Later, he held leadership positions at ICE headquarters, such as assistant director for field operations in the Enforcement and Removal Operations branch.

Lyons publicly supported administration immigration policies but internally advocated for prioritizing arrests of those with criminal histories.

Agency Operations and Challenges Under

Lyons' leadership, ICE has recruited thousands of additional deportation agents using funds from recent legislation.

U.S. citizens and subsequent backlash. A Border Patrol official was relieved of command following the incidents, and operations were wound down.

ICE has faced criticism for practices such as agents wearing masks during arrests, with some lawmakers calling for the agency's abolishment. Democrats in Congress have withheld full funding pending reforms.

Historical Context For

nearly a decade, ICE has operated under acting directors.

The expected departure follows the recent confirmation of a new Homeland Security Secretary after the previous one was ousted amid concerns over leadership and enforcement operations. Lyons' tenure included disagreements with some administration decisions, such as efforts to elevate certain officials for sweeping roundups.

Sources noted Lyons pushed for targeted operations against criminals, aligning with historical agency priorities.

The leadership change occurs against a backdrop of nationwide deportation efforts aiming to remove millions of immigrants. ICE's role has become a flashpoint in immigration debates.

Statements on Departure > "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.

" — Homeland Security Secretary, Thursday (CBS News)

“[Lyons 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.”