Acting leadership at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is set to change this spring, with Todd Lyons indicating he will step down in June, multiple U.S. officials told CBS News. The officials, who spoke to the news outlet, said Lyons informed colleagues of his plan to leave the agency later in the season.
ICE, an agency under the Department of Homeland Security, has been central to the current administration's intensified immigration enforcement. Rights organizations have accused the agency's actions of infringing on free speech and due process rights, saying the enforcement posture has raised civil liberties concerns.
Criticism intensified after a January incident in Minnesota in which ICE agents fatally shot two U.S. citizens, identified as Alex Pretti and Renee Good. The deaths sparked protests across the country and drew condemnation from human rights experts, who contend that the agency's conduct has contributed to an unsafe climate for various communities, particularly for minority populations.
The administration has defended its approach, saying the enforcement measures are aimed at strengthening domestic security and reducing illegal immigration. Statements from agency officials and the Department of Homeland Security were not available at the time of the report; ICE and DHS did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Lyons' planned departure follows a period of heightened scrutiny of ICE's operational choices and public relations challenges caused by high-profile incidents. While advocates for stronger enforcement emphasize security benefits, civil liberties groups and human rights observers have focused on alleged violations and the social consequences of the agency's tactics.
The coming weeks are likely to see attention on how the agency manages leadership transition and whether any interim or permanent appointments will be announced. For now, the reported timeline places Lyons' exit in June, leaving ICE to navigate ongoing public debate about enforcement priorities and community impacts.
Location and response
ICE operates within the Department of Homeland Security. Officials did not provide immediate comment when inquiries were made, according to the report.
Context
The reported resignation occurs amid national protests and criticism stemming from the January fatal shootings in Minnesota and broader concerns raised by rights groups. The administration maintains the enforcement campaign is necessary to secure borders and public safety.