DHS sees leadership shakeup amid ICE operation leaks, low deportation numbers

• Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced Sunday that DHS will see changes in two of its top leadership positions. Todd Lyons will now serve as acting director of ICE, while Madison Sheahan will be named DHS’ deputy director.
• The leadership shakeup comes amid reports that DHS and FBI personnel are leaking information about ICE operations, as well as frustration within the White House about its low deportation numbers.
• Noem also said the agency will expand its use of lie detector tests for employees, in an effort to identify and root out those behind the leaks.

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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will see changes in two of its top leadership positions. The news follows reports that the White House is frustrated with the pace of deportation efforts, as well as leaks about immigration enforcement operations coming from within the federal government.

Who are the new faces of Trump’s immigration enforcement?

The new leadership includes Todd Lyons, who formerly served as the assistant director of field operations for DHS’ enforcement division, stepping into the role of acting director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Lyons’ predecessor, Caleb Vitello, was reassigned Feb. 21, shortly after two other top immigration enforcement officials were reassigned.

Former secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, and a former aide to Kristi Noem during her tenure as South Dakota governor, Madison Sheahan, will be named DHS’ deputy director.

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Polygraph tests to root out leakers

Noem, who now serves as Trump’s homeland security secretary, appeared on CBS’ “Face the Nation” Sunday, March 9, to announce the leadership changes. She also detailed a plan to expand the use of lie detector tests on DHS employees to root out anyone who is leaking information about ICE operations to the media.

In a statement, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said, “The Department of Homeland Security is a national security agency. We can, should, and will polygraph personnel.”

The use of lie detector tests among federal law enforcement agencies and those applying for national security clearances is not uncommon. However, results of the tests are also not typically admissible in court, the Associated Press notes.

The state of Trump’s deportation efforts, from within the White House

Such a significant shakeup just two months into Trump’s administration suggests the White House is sharpening its focus on immigration enforcement, a key tenant of the twice-elected president’s 2024 campaign.

There have been reports that Trump and others in his orbit, including “border czar” Tom Homan, are frustrated by what they consider to be lackluster deportation numbers. They also blame leaks from within DHS and FBI that are reportedly hampering ICE operations.