Acting ICE Director to Step Down

DHS Secretary Mullin announces leadership change at immigration enforcement agency

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:11am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dimly lit, cinematic government office space with a single desk and chair, the room bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of transition and uncertainty around a leadership change.The departure of the acting ICE director signals a potential shift in the agency's priorities under the current administration.Washington Today

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin announced on Thursday that acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) director Todd Lyons will be stepping down from his role at the end of April.

Why it matters

The departure of the acting ICE director comes amid ongoing debates over immigration policy and enforcement in the United States. The leadership change at ICE could signal a shift in the agency's priorities or approach under the current administration.

The details

Lyons has served as the acting director of ICE since January 2025. No reason was given for his departure, though leadership changes at federal agencies are common when new administrations take office.

  • Todd Lyons will step down as acting ICE director at the end of April 2026.

The players

Markwayne Mullin

The current U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, appointed in 2025.

Todd Lyons

The outgoing acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Biden administration is expected to nominate a permanent ICE director in the coming weeks to replace Lyons.

The takeaway

The leadership change at ICE reflects the ongoing evolution of the agency's role and priorities under the current administration, as it navigates complex debates over immigration enforcement.