ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons to Step Down at End of May, DHS Confirms

The acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Todd Lyons, will resign from his position at the end of May, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Officials confirmed that Lyons’ final day in office will be May 31, bringing an end to a tenure that has been marked by both strong government backing and intense public criticism.

Lyons, who assumed the role in March 2025, played a key role in implementing the administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement policies, including expanded deportation operations and increased funding for staffing and detention facilities.

DHS leadership praised his service, describing him as instrumental in strengthening enforcement efforts and enhancing national security. However, his time in office was also highly controversial, with critics pointing to allegations of civil rights violations, harsh enforcement tactics, and fatal encounters involving ICE agents.

Reports indicate that Lyons plans to transition into the private sector after stepping down. No successor has yet been officially announced.

His resignation comes amid ongoing scrutiny of ICE operations and broader debates over the U.S. immigration policies, which have remained deeply divisive across political and public spheres.

Analysts say the leadership change could signal another shift within the agency as policymakers continue to grapple with balancing border enforcement and human rights concerns.