Todd Lyon to leave as acting director of ICE

April 17, 2026 – WASHINGTON, D.C. - Acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd Lyons will be leaving the Department of Homeland Security at the end of May. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin announced the move on Thursday, praising Lyons' service and confirming that he will transition to the private sector.

Lyons sent an emailed statement to ICE employees.

".Transition and Gratitude as the Mission Continues," Lyons began. "I want to share with you directly that I've decided to leave my position as ICE's Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director on May 31. It wasn't an easy decision, but it's the right one for me and my family. My wife and I are looking forward to spending as much time as possible with our sons, who, as many of you know from experience, grow up too fast. Until then, I'll remain here to ensure a smooth and responsible transition."

"What makes this agency strong is not any one leader, but the people who show up every day to do the job with integrity," Lyons continued. "From our law enforcement officers and agents to our attorneys, analysts, medical professionals and support staff - each of you plays a critical role in carrying out this mission."

"Serving alongside you has been one of the greatest honors of my life," said Lyons. "Every day, across the agency, you carry out a complex, demanding, and often-misunderstood mission. You do it with professionalism, resilience, and a deep commitment to public safety and the rule of law. I have watched you put in long hours, make difficult decisions, and make personal sacrifices, and I'm profoundly grateful for all of it."

"You have my respect and my thanks," said Lyons. "Over the coming weeks, I'll be focused on supporting you and ensuring continuity so ICE's important work continues without disruption. I remain fully committed to the mission and to each of you during this transition. Thank you for your service, your professionalism, and your dedication. It has been a privilege to serve with you."

Lyons is a nearly two‑decade ICE veteran who first joined the agency in 2007, rose through the ranks from field operations in Dallas and Boston to become acting director in March 2025. His tenure as director of the agency coincided with President Donald J. Trump's (R) aggressive nationwide deportation campaign, which dramatically expanded enforcement operations in cities across the country after four years of extremely lax enforcement by the Biden administration.

Lyon in a February congressional hearing, reported that 379,000 arrests and more than 475,000 removals occurred during the Trump's administration's first year in office. White House officials, including border czar Tom Homan and deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller have publicly praised Lyons as a "phenomenal patriot" and a central figure in the administration's immigration strategy.

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