Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons Resigning

Lyons cites desire to spend more time with family as reason for departure from agency.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:17pm

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A photorealistic painting of an ICE enforcement van parked on a deserted city street, with warm sunlight casting long shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of solitude and contemplation.The departure of acting ICE Director Todd Lyons comes as the agency faces heightened scrutiny over its enforcement tactics under the Trump administration.Nogales Today

Todd Lyons, the acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), is planning to leave his post later this spring. Lyons, who has overseen the agency during President Donald Trump's controversial immigration crackdown, said in his resignation letter that he is leaving to spend more time with his family.

Why it matters

Lyons' departure comes at a pivotal time for ICE, as the agency has faced intense scrutiny and criticism from Democrats and immigration advocates over its tactics and policies under the Trump administration. His resignation could signal further changes at the top of the agency.

The details

In his resignation letter, Lyons said his 'sons are both reaching a pivotal point in their lives' and that he and his wife 'wish to spend as much time as possible with them.' Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin praised Lyons' leadership, saying he 'jumpstarted an agency that had not been allowed to do its job for four years' and that 'American communities are safer' due to Lyons' work. During Lyons' tenure, ICE expanded its operations, including sending officers into cities across the U.S. as part of stepped-up federal immigration enforcement efforts.

  • Lyons' last day as acting ICE director will be May 31, 2026.
  • Lyons has served as acting director since the start of the Trump administration in 2017.

The players

Todd Lyons

The acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) who is resigning from his post.

Markwayne Mullin

The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security who announced Lyons' departure.

Donald Trump

The former president who appointed Lyons as acting ICE director and championed the agency's expansion.

Kristi Noem

The former Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security who was fired by Trump more than a month ago.

Tom Homan

Trump's former border czar who praised Lyons' leadership of ICE.

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What they’re saying

“My sons are both reaching a pivotal point in their lives and my wife and I wish to spend as much time as possible with them. This was not an easy decision, but I believe it is the right one for me and my family at this time.”

— Todd Lyons, Acting Director, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

“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. He jumpstarted an agency that had not been allowed to do its job for four years. Thanks to his leadership, American communities are safer.”

— Markwayne Mullin, Secretary, Department of Homeland Security

“Todd has served selflessly as a highly respected and effective acting Director of ICE, presiding over a record number of removals in the first year of Trump's second term, despite unprecedented challenges.”

— Tom Homan, Former Border Czar

What’s next

The Department of Homeland Security will begin the process of selecting a new acting director to lead ICE following Lyons' departure on May 31.

The takeaway

Lyons' resignation comes at a pivotal time for ICE, as the agency has faced intense scrutiny and criticism over its tactics and policies under the Trump administration. His departure could signal further changes at the top of the agency as the Biden administration looks to reform immigration enforcement.