Fox News reported that Acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement director Todd Lyons will step down on May 31.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin confirmed that Lyons submitted his resignation and will stay on through May 31 to assist with the transition.
Lyons said in his resignation letter that he wants to spend more time with his family. He called serving in the role a “tremendous honor,” according to The New York Times.
Mullin praised Lyons’ leadership and said his work helped remove dangerous criminals from American communities.
“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.
He added that Lyons helped rebuild the agency after years of restrictions. “Thanks to his leadership, American communities are safer.”
Lyons oversaw roughly 584,000 deportations since President Donald Trump returned to office in 2025. Officials said that marked a record pace for removals during the administration’s first year.
Trump border czar Tom Homan also praised Lyons’ performance. He said Lyons delivered on the president’s promise to deport illegal immigrants who pose a public safety or national security risk.
White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller called Lyons “a phenomenal patriot and dedicated leader.” He said Lyons played a central role in securing the border and reversing what he described as a surge in illegal immigration under Democrats.
Lyons has worked at ICE for nearly 20 years. He joined the agency in 2007 and previously served in special forces in the U.S. Air Force.
It is unclear who will replace Lyons. Mullin will lead the search for a new director. The Senate has not confirmed an ICE director since 2017, leaving the agency under acting leadership for years.
Lyons’ tenure also drew criticism from some Democrats.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker accused ICE of using aggressive tactics during enforcement operations. Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-IL) said Lyons would still face public accountability after leaving office.
Some enforcement actions sparked protests earlier this year. That included a fatal shooting during an ICE operation in Minneapolis. Lyons declined to comment in detail at the time, citing an ongoing investigation.
His departure comes during a broader funding dispute at DHS. The agency has faced a partial shutdown for more than two months. While ICE received major funding last year, other agencies have been affected.
Lyons will remain in the role through May 31 as DHS prepares to name a new ICE leader.