WASHINGTON — Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Todd Lyons submitted his resignation on Thursday and will leave the agency on May 31, the Department of Homeland Security announced.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin confirmed the departure in a statement, saying Lyons would stay on until the end of May to assist with the transition. Lyons, a career ICE official who has served more than 20 years with the agency, has been acting director since March 2025.
In a letter to Mullin, Lyons said the decision was not easy but was the right one for him and his family, according to officials familiar with the correspondence. He plans to pursue an opportunity in the private sector.
Mullin praised Lyons in a statement: “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.” Mullin added that Lyons helped make American communities safer and wished him luck in the private sector.
Lyons oversaw ICE during a period of expanded immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump, including large-scale deportation operations. The agency has faced scrutiny over its operations, including incidents involving federal agents and conditions in detention facilities. Earlier on Thursday, Lyons testified before a House Appropriations subcommittee on issues including detainee deaths in ICE custody.
No successor has been named. ICE has operated without a Senate-confirmed director for years, with acting officials leading the agency. Details about the selection process for a new acting or permanent director remain unclear.
The announcement comes amid ongoing debates over immigration policy and enforcement priorities. Trump border czar Tom Homan described Lyons as a highly respected and effective acting director who served selflessly.
As of Friday, Lyons remained in his role. The Department of Homeland Security said he would continue leading the agency through the end of May to ensure a smooth transition. No further details on his future plans or potential internal candidates were released.
The resignation marks a change in leadership at one of the federal government’s primary immigration enforcement agencies during the second Trump administration.
