Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons is leaving the Department of Homeland Security
NBC News • • general
Key Points:
- Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons is leaving the Department of Homeland Security, with his last day set for May 31, according to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, who did not provide a reason for his departure.
- Lyons led ICE during the Trump administration's controversial immigration crackdowns targeting Democratic-run cities, which sparked protests and involved fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis.
- Appointed by President Trump in March 2025, Lyons oversaw a record number of arrests and removals, with over 379,000 arrests and 475,000 removals in the first year, despite criticism over the targeting of long-standing residents.
- White House officials, including border czar Tom Homan and adviser Stephen Miller, praised Lyons for his law enforcement career and dedication to immigration enforcement under Trump’s policies.
- DHS Secretary Mullin did not announce a successor for Lyons as acting ICE director.
