Acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd Lyons has revealed plans to resign in the coming weeks, as reported by Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin.
Sources say Lyons is stepping down to devote more time to his family in Massachusetts, with intentions to enter the private sector thereafter.
While Lyons has not made a formal statement, Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin confirmed the news, praising Lyons as a “great leader of ICE” who was instrumental in the Trump administration’s efforts to eliminate violent criminals from American communities.
Mullin emphasized that Lyons revitalized an agency that had been stifled for years and significantly contributed to the safety of communities across the nation.
With a two-decade career at ICE and prior military service, Lyons began as a deportation agent in Dallas in 2007. He ascended through various roles, culminating in his position as acting director in March 2025, succeeding Caleb Vitello.
During his tenure, Lyons oversaw a broadened scope in deportation operations, aided by increased funding from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which enabled the hiring of thousands of new deportation agents.
Despite some reported disagreements on operational strategies, such as appointing Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino for key enforcement actions in major cities, Lyons has left a notable impact on the agency.
ICE has been without a Senate-confirmed director since early 2017, relying on acting leaders. Lyons’ resignation will contribute to ongoing leadership changes within the agency, with no replacement announced at this time.
