Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons Announces Resignation Effective May 31, 2026

Todd Lyons, Sr. Official Performing the Duties of ICE Director since March 2025, announced on April 16-17, 2026 that he will resign effective May 31, 2026. Lyons cited a desire to return home before his younger son finishes high school and to pursue a private sector opportunity. He led ICE through one of its most aggressive enforcement eras, overseeing the detention population peak at 70,000+, Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis, record deportation numbers, and the record pace of in-custody deaths. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin confirmed the departure; no successor has been named as of April 22. Lyons said he has been asked to help identify candidates for the permanent director position, which requires Senate confirmation.