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Lyons Today
By the People, for the People
Acting ICE Chief to Depart Agency in May
DHS Secretary Mullin announces Todd Lyons' resignation after nearly a decade of acting leadership at ICE.
Apr. 18, 2026 at 5:55pm
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The departure of acting ICE director Todd Lyons marks the end of a turbulent period for the agency, as it faces an uncertain future amid ongoing political and funding challenges.Lyons TodayThe acting head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Todd Lyons, will be leaving his role at the end of next month, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin confirmed on Thursday. Lyons, who has worked for ICE for nearly two decades, is departing for a new position in the private sector. His resignation comes amid an ongoing funding shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security that has impacted several agencies.
Why it matters
The Senate has not confirmed a permanent director for ICE since 2017, resulting in almost a decade of acting leadership at the agency. Lyons' departure marks the first major personnel decision for Mullin since he replaced Kristi Noem as DHS Secretary in late March. It also comes during a turbulent period for ICE, which faced criticism over controversial immigration enforcement tactics under the Trump administration.
The details
In his letter to Mullin, Lyons called his role as acting ICE director a 'tremendous honor' but said he was leaving to 'spend more time with my family.' 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 his efforts. However, Lyons' tenure was also marked by controversy, including the deployment of federal agents to states like Illinois, where Governor JB Pritzker vowed to hold him 'accountable' for alleged civil rights violations.
- Lyons will depart his role as acting ICE director on May 31, 2026.
- Mullin replaced Kristi Noem as DHS Secretary at the end of March 2026.
The players
Markwayne Mullin
The current Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, appointed in March 2026.
Todd Lyons
The acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since 2017, who is departing the agency at the end of May 2026 to take a role in the private sector.
JB Pritzker
The Democratic Governor of Illinois, who vowed to hold Lyons 'accountable' for the controversial deployment of federal agents to his state under the Trump administration.
Kristi Noem
The former Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, who was replaced by Markwayne Mullin at the end of March 2026.
Stephen Miller
The White House Deputy Chief of Staff, who praised Lyons as a 'phenomenal patriot and dedicated leader' in the Trump administration's immigration enforcement efforts.
What they’re saying
“Todd 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.”
— Markwayne Mullin, Homeland Security Secretary
“Lyons, don't let the door hit you on your way out. You will still be held accountable by the American people.”
— Delia Ramirez, U.S. Representative (D-Ill.)
“Lyons led a secret police force for Trump where masked agents attacked our own American streets, violated Constitutional rights, and shot our own citizens.”
— JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois
“Todd Lyons is a phenomenal patriot and dedicated leader who has been at the center of President Trump's historic efforts to secure our homeland and reverse the Democrats' sinister border invasion.”
— Stephen Miller, White House Deputy Chief of Staff
What’s next
It is not immediately apparent who will fill the role of acting ICE director in June. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin will be responsible for finding Lyons's replacement.
The takeaway
Lyons' departure marks the end of nearly a decade of acting leadership at ICE, a period marked by controversy over the agency's aggressive immigration enforcement tactics under the Trump administration. His resignation comes as the Department of Homeland Security faces an ongoing funding shutdown, underscoring the challenges facing the agency.
