Summary
Todd Lyons, the acting director of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), will step down at the end of May 2025 and move to the private sector. His resignation follows a year marked by increasing criticism of ICE's tactics under President Donald Trump's immigration policies.
Key Facts
- Todd Lyons has been acting director of ICE since March 2025.
- He will resign at the end of May 2025 and leave for the private sector.
- Lyons defended ICE amid controversy over violent actions, including a recent shooting in California.
- He faced criticism after ICE agents killed two US citizens in Minneapolis in January 2025.
- A federal judge in Minnesota threatened contempt charges against Lyons for ignoring court orders on immigration arrests.
- Under Lyons, ICE hired about 12,000 officers and agents in less than a year.
- ICE detention centers under Lyons have faced concerns over conditions, especially for families and children.
- Public opinion polls show growing disapproval of ICE and calls for its abolition.
- Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and White House officials praised Lyons’ efforts.
