FILE – A federal agent wears a badge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement while standing outside an immigration courtroom at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in New York, June 10, 2025. Yuki Iwamura/AP
After the current acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Todd Lyons leaves his position at the close of the month, a former longtime ICE agent is scheduled to assume the role, as per the Department of Homeland Security.
"Dave Venturella will function as Acting ICE Director subsequent to Todd Lyons’ departure," according to a DHS spokesperson.
Venturella Is a close associate of border lead Tom Homan, and formerly held a position at a private correctional facility firm.
FILE – A federal agent wears a badge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement while standing outside an immigration courtroom at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in New York, June 10, 2025.Yuki Iwamura/AP
According to a source in law enforcement, the selection aligns with DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin's inclination to have a discreet individual head the agency — which possesses the biggest law enforcement budget in the nation.
DHS made public Lyons’ impending exit last month.
Lyons conveyed he was stepping down to dedicate more time to his family, according to his resignation document examined by ABC News.
"My sons are approaching a critical juncture in their lives, and my wife and I desire to spend as much time with them as possible," the document states. "This wasn’t an easy choice, but I’m convinced it’s the appropriate one for my family and me at this moment. I have confidence that ICE will continue to carry out its essential functions with integrity and professionalism."
Whether Venturella will be nominated for the position permanently or will serve in an interim capacity remains unknown.
ICE hasn’t had a director confirmed by the Senate since 2017.
As acting director during the first year of the second Trump administration, Lyons presided over the largest expansion of ICE in U.S. history, fueled by funding from the sweeping tax and policy legislation Trump championed the previous year, known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill."
During Lyons’ tenure, the Trump administration dispatched ICE officers to cities throughout the U.S., including Chicago, Los Angeles, and Minneapolis, as part of intensified federal immigration enforcement operations intended to deliver on a key pledge from Trump’s campaign.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com