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Acting US ICE head Todd Lyons to leave agency at end of May

Acting US ICE head Todd Lyons to leave agency at end of May

By Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON, April 16 (Reuters) - The acting head of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, which has been at the heart of President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown, will leave the federal government at the end of May, the Trump administration said on Thursday.

ICE went on a hiring spree. Sterling credentials were not required, AP investigation finds

ICE went on a hiring spree. Sterling credentials were not required, AP investigation finds

Some new U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers started working before passing background checks and had problems in their past

ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons to Resign Amidst Controversy Over Enforcement Tactics

ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons to Resign Amidst Controversy Over Enforcement Tactics

Todd Lyons, the acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), will resign at the end of May, as announced by Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. Lyons, a key figure in President Trump's immigration agenda, oversaw significant expansions in ICE's operations, including increased arrests and deportations. His tenure was marked by controversy, particularly following high-profile enforcement actions in cities like Chicago and Minneapolis, which led to public outcry over the deaths of American protesters. Lyons' leadership has been both praised for enhancing community safety and criticized for aggressive tactics.

ICE Hiring Practices Under Scrutiny Amid Rapid Expansion and Questionable Vetting

ICE Hiring Practices Under Scrutiny Amid Rapid Expansion and Questionable Vetting

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has come under scrutiny following an investigation revealing that the agency hired new officers with questionable backgrounds during a rapid expansion. This hiring spree, which aimed to double ICE's workforce by adding 12,000 new officers and special agents, was fueled by a $75 billion congressional allocation to support President Trump's mass deportation campaign. The investigation found that some new hires had histories of bankruptcies, legal issues, and previous employment terminations. Despite ICE's claims of rigorous vetting, the rapid recruitment process has raised concerns about the qualifications and integrity of the new officers. The agency's acting director, Todd Lyons, defended the hiring campaign, emphasizing the need for a well-trained workforce to execute the administration's agenda. However, the investigation highlighted potential risks associated with insufficient vetting, including increased liability and abuse of power.

Takeaways from AP investigation that found problems in the backgrounds of some new ICE officers

Takeaways from AP investigation that found problems in the backgrounds of some new ICE officers

Some new U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers started working before passing background checks and had problems in their past

French Government Urges DHS to Release 86-Year-Old Widow Detained by ICE

French Government Urges DHS to Release 86-Year-Old Widow Detained by ICE

The French government is actively seeking the release of Marie-Therese Ross, an 86-year-old French widow of a U.S. military veteran, who was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Alabama on April 1. Ross was taken into custody after overstaying her 90-day visa and is currently held at a federal immigration detention facility in Louisiana. This incident is part of a broader enforcement strategy under the Trump administration, which has intensified deportation efforts, including those affecting spouses of U.S. soldiers and veterans. Rodolphe Sambou, the Consul General of France in New Orleans, has been in communication with Ross' family and French officials to expedite her release, emphasizing her age and the need for adequate care.

Department of Homeland Security Faces Record Shutdown Amid Funding Stalemate

Department of Homeland Security Faces Record Shutdown Amid Funding Stalemate

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is experiencing a record-breaking shutdown, lasting over 60 days, due to a funding stalemate in Congress. The shutdown began on February 14, 2026, after Senate Democrats refused to approve funding following the shooting of two U.S. citizens by immigration officers in January. During recent budget hearings, top DHS officials, including the acting head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the admiral of the U.S. Coast Guard, testified about the impact of the funding lapse on their workforce and programs. They highlighted issues such as missed paychecks and the need for more staff. Despite the shutdown, the White House and congressional Republicans have secured alternative funding sources, including a $75 billion package from last summer, to continue immigration enforcement. President Trump has also signed a memo to pay Transportation Security Administration employees, extending it to all DHS employees, though the funding source remains unspecified.

US House votes to defy Trump, extend Haitians' temporary protections

US House votes to defy Trump, extend Haitians' temporary protections

By Nate Raymond WASHINGTON, April 16 (Reuters) - The U.S.

Trump administration attempts to deport Iranian media commentator Yousof Azizi

Trump administration attempts to deport Iranian media commentator Yousof Azizi

By Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON, April 16 (Reuters) - The Trump administration said on Thursday it was attempting to deport an Iranian academic and media commentator, who it alleged had lied on his visa application, prompting criticism from a Muslim advocacy group which cast his detention as a

GOP Proposes Three-Year Funding for Immigration Enforcement Amid DHS Shutdown

GOP Proposes Three-Year Funding for Immigration Enforcement Amid DHS Shutdown

Senate Majority Leader John Thune has proposed a plan to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Border Patrol for three years using the budget reconciliation process. This move aims to end the two-month shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which has been stalled due to disagreements over immigration enforcement policies. The Senate has already approved a regular funding bill for DHS, but it remains stalled in the House. Thune's plan involves passing a narrow bill focused on ICE and Border Patrol funding, potentially bypassing Democratic demands for reforms. The House must first adopt a budget resolution before Republicans can proceed with the funding bill. The shutdown began after Democrats insisted on new safeguards for immigration enforcement following incidents involving federal immigration officers.

Funding effort for ICE, Border Patrol could begin in Senate next week, majority leader says

Funding effort for ICE, Border Patrol could begin in Senate next week, majority leader says

By Richard Cowan WASHINGTON, April 14 (Reuters) - Partisan legislation to fund Donald Trump's immigration enforcement activities through the end of his presidency in January 2029 could begin moving through the U.S. Senate by the end of this month, according to Republican senators and aides.

ICE Detains 86-Year-Old French Woman After US Veteran Husband Dies, Raising Concerns

ICE Detains 86-Year-Old French Woman After US Veteran Husband Dies, Raising Concerns

An 86-year-old French woman, Marie-Thérèse, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Anniston, Alabama, following the death of her U.S. veteran husband. She is currently held in a Louisiana detention center. Marie-Thérèse entered the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program in June 2025, which allowed her a 90-day stay. Her detention has sparked concerns due to her age and health, as well as her pending green card application. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed her arrest, citing her overstay as the reason. This incident highlights the intensified immigration enforcement under President Trump's second term, which has included actions against families of U.S. service members.