DHS Announces Departure of ICE Chief Todd Lyons After Mass Raids
Posted on 04/17/26 at 13:34
- Acting ICE director resigns
- Raids spark protests
- Leadership change at DHS
The acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Todd Lyons, will step down from his role at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The announcement was made Thursday by current DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, according to Telemundo.
Lyons will officially conclude his duties on May 31.
His departure follows months of intense controversy surrounding immigration policies implemented under his leadership.
Resignation of ICE acting director confirmed
BREAKING: Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons resigns from ICE and will remain in the role until May 31, per Fox News. pic.twitter.com/dAzPjQFC1D
— Resist Wire (@ResistWire) April 17, 2026
Secretary Mullin confirmed the departure in an official statement.
“Thanks to his leadership, American communities are safer,” he said.
He added: “We wish him the best in his next opportunity in the private sector.”
Todd Lyons had served as acting director since March 2025.
He was appointed by Donald Trump following the reassignment of Caleb Vitello.
During his tenure, ICE continued operating without a Senate-confirmed director.
Leadership marked by raids and controversy
Acting ICE director Todd Lyons, who presided over the agency amid President Trump’s immigration crackdown, is planning to leave his post later this spring, DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin announced Thursday. https://t.co/pMetAkNH7W pic.twitter.com/Xd7at1w8Aw
— ABC News (@ABC) April 17, 2026
Todd Lyons’ tenure was defined by large-scale immigration raids.
These operations focused on cities governed by Democrats.
The actions were part of the Trump administration’s broader immigration strategy.
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The raids sparked intense protests in multiple cities.
Additionally, two U.S. citizens died after being shot by agents during these operations.
This context increased public pressure on ICE and its enforcement methods.
Immigration policies during this period generated significant political and social division.
Leadership changes under Trump
Todd Lyons’ resignation from ICE comes amid ongoing changes within DHS.
President Donald Trump appointed Mullin as the new secretary in March.
Mullin, a U.S. senator and political ally of the president, replaced Kristi Noem.
He was later confirmed by the Senate on March 23.
The transition reflects adjustments in the administration’s immigration strategy.
Lyons now joins a growing list of officials who have been replaced or reassigned.
His exit opens a new chapter in ICE leadership.
So far, no successor—either interim or permanent—has been announced following Todd Lyons’ ICE resignation.
