ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons to Exit Federal Government at End of May

Todd Lyons, the acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is set to depart from federal service on May 31, 2026, transitioning to the private sector. The announcement came from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, who praised Lyons as "a great leader" during his tenure at the helm of one of the country's most scrutinized federal agencies.

Lyons was appointed acting ICE chief in March 2025, having previously served as executive associate director of the agency's Enforcement and Removal Operations directorate, where he oversaw the arrest and deportation of undocumented immigrants. His career with the directorate spanned several senior roles, including assistant director of field operations and deputy assistant director of western operations, before rising to lead the entire agency. He originally joined as an immigration enforcement agent based in Dallas.

His departure comes amid intense national debate over the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement campaign. Civil rights organizations have raised serious concerns, arguing that ICE operations have infringed on constitutionally protected rights, including free speech and due process. The controversy intensified following the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens in Minnesota — Alex Pretti and Renee Good — in January, which triggered widespread protests and prompted human rights advocates to warn of a growing climate of fear, especially among minority communities.

Adding to the scrutiny, prosecutors in Minnesota recently filed assault charges against an ICE agent accused of pointing his firearm at occupants of a vehicle on a Minneapolis highway in February — marking the first criminal charges brought against an ICE officer in connection with the administration's immigration operations in the state.

President Trump has consistently defended the crackdown, maintaining that stricter immigration enforcement is essential for national security and reducing illegal border crossings.