Acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Todd Lyons will step down at the end of May, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The agency said Lyons’ departure will be effective May 31, marking the end of his tenure as head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, where he served in the top role beginning in 2025. The Washington Post reported.
In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security credited Lyon with overseeing a period of expanded law enforcement operations and organizational growth. The agency said that under Lyons’ leadership, ICE has increased its staff, expanded its operational scope, and intensified nationwide immigration enforcement efforts.
Lyons, who has been with ICE for nearly two decades, was named acting director during the administration Donald Trump. His tenure coincided with a renewed federal focus on tougher immigration enforcement and increased deportation efforts, the WaPo report said.
According to the agency, Lyons played a key role in implementing those priorities, working to increase detention capacity and streamline enforcement procedures. Officials say the effort was aimed at strengthening national security and ensuring compliance with US immigration laws.
However, Lyons’ time in office also coincided with increased scrutiny of ICE operations.
While the Department of Homeland Security did not directly address specific controversies in its announcement, the agency acknowledged that immigration enforcement remains a hotly debated issue. Lyon’s leadership comes at a time marked by legal challenges, public protests and heightened scrutiny from lawmakers over ICE’s tactics and accountability.
The agency says that during his tenure, Lyons focused on implementing the administration’s directives while supporting ICE personnel nationwide.
Homeland Security officials say Lyons will remain in his role until the end of May to ensure an orderly transition. The agency has not yet announced who will succeed him as acting director.
The Department of Homeland Security says continuity of operations will be a priority during the leadership changes, especially as immigration policy remains a central issue at the national level.
Lyon’s departure comes as ICE remains at the center of broader debates about border security, enforcement practices and federal immigration strategy. The agency notes that its mission will continue without interruption as it implements existing policies and guidelines.
In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security thanked Lyons for his years of service and highlighted his long career with ICE and his leadership during a critical period for the agency.
As the end of May approaches, the agency says Lyons will work closely with senior officials to manage the transition and maintain operational stability.
No further details regarding his next role have been released at this time.
