Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons submits resignation letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin

Acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd Lyons submitted his resignation letter to Homeland Secretary Markwayne Mullin Thursday, writing that he will stay on through May 31 to assist the transition process, Fox News has confirmed.

According to a source, Lyons said in his letter he wants to spend more time with his family, including his sons, who are “reaching a pivotal point in their lives,” and that it’s been a privilege to serve under President Donald Trump.

“Director Lyons has been a great leader of ICE and key player in helping the Trump administration remove murderers, rapists, pedophiles, terrorists and gang members from American communities,” Mullin said in a statement. 

“He jumpstarted an agency that had not been allowed to do its job for four years. Thanks to his leadership, American communities are safer.”

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Lyons has overseen roughly 584,000 ICE deportations since President Donald Trump was inaugurated for a second term last year.

He has served with ICE for 20 years and was previously in special forces in the U.S. Air Force. 

“We wish him luck on his next opportunity in the private sector. His last day is May 31, 2026,” Mullin concluded.

In a statement to Fox News, Trump border czar Tom Homan praised Lyons’ selflessness in serving as director.

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“Todd has served selflessly as a highly respected and effective acting Director of U.S. ICE,” Homan said. “Under his leadership, ICE achieved a record number of removals in the first year of this Administration, despite unprecedented challenges, delivering on the President’s promise to deport illegal aliens who have no right to be in the U.S., especially those that are public safety risks or pose a threat to our national security. 

“I commend him for a distinguished law enforcement career and the countless contributions he has made to protect our country and advance its interests.”

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White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller added in a statement to Fox News that, “Todd is a phenomenal patriot and dedicated leader who has been at the center of President Trump’s historic efforts to secure our homeland and reverse the Democrats’ sinister border invasion.” 

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“His courageous work at ICE has saved countless thousands of American lives and helped deliver safety and tranquility to millions of Americans,” he added.