Navy Secretary Phelan departs; Hung Cao assumes acting leadership role
Navy Secretary Phelan departs; Hung Cao assumes acting role.
Event / Politics
Trump Administration Cabinet Changes
Leadership changes and personnel transitions within the Trump administration, including Cabinet positions and senior Defense Department roles.
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2026-08-18 to 2026-11-15 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 17 Apr, 04:06 UTC
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What happened
Public polling shows most U.S. adults view ICE unfavorably
According to a February 2026 AP-NORC poll, most U.S. adults, including independents, reported having an unfavorable view of ICE. Public perceptions of the agency under Lyons' leadership remained low as the agency executed mass immigration enforcement operations.
ICE conducted approximately 584,000 deportations under Lyons leadership since Trump's second term began
During his tenure as acting director of ICE, Todd Lyons oversaw approximately 584,000 deportations since President Donald Trump's second term began in January 2025. In a February 2026 congressional hearing, Lyons reported that ICE made 379,000 arrests during the first year of the Trump administration and removed over 475,000 people from the United States. Lyons has served with ICE for 20 years and previously served in special forces in the U.S. Air Force.
ICE received increased funding to expand hiring and detention capabilities
Under Todd Lyons' leadership, ICE received a massive infusion of cash through Congress, which the agency used to expand hiring capacity and detention facilities. The increased funding supported the agency's ramp-up of arrests to meet demand from the Trump administration's mass deportation agenda.
ICE mass crackdowns in Democrat-led cities triggered public protests and backlash
ICE conducted high-profile immigration enforcement operations in major American cities including Chicago and Minneapolis as part of Trump administration's mass deportation agenda. The operations generated widespread public protests and backlash over concerns that enforcement agents were sweeping up longstanding residents rather than focusing on violent criminals. The crackdowns ended after the backlash erupted over the deaths of two American protesters in Minneapolis.
Two U.S. citizens fatally shot by federal agents during ICE operations in Minneapolis
During high-profile ICE immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis in January 2026, two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were fatally shot by federal agents in separate incidents. The deaths occurred during the agency's controversial mass immigration crackdowns targeting Democrat-run cities. At a congressional hearing in February, Lyons declined to apologize for these fatal shootings.
ICE authorized warrantless entry into homes under Lyons memo
Under Todd Lyons' leadership, ICE signed off on a memo that granted federal immigration officers sweeping powers to forcibly enter homes and make arrests without a judge's warrant. This policy represented a significant expansion of enforcement authority during the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons announces resignation effective May 31, 2026
Acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Todd Lyons submitted his resignation letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin on April 17, 2026. Lyons stated he will remain in his position through May 31, 2026, to assist with the transition process. According to his resignation letter, Lyons cited a desire to spend more time with his family, including his sons who are at a pivotal point in their lives. DHS Secretary Mullin confirmed the resignation in an official statement.
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Two-week Iran ceasefire agreement follows U.S.-Israeli military strikes
U.S. and Iran agree to two-week ceasefire after military escalation, though threats persist.
ICE detention surges as leadership shifts amid custody deaths
ICE detentions hit 60,000-plus amid record custody deaths and leadership shifts.
Gas prices linger above $4 as Americans cite energy costs as serious concern
Gas prices stay above $4; Secretary Wright predicts no sub-$3 prices until 2027.
Trump approval hits 37% as economic concerns drive voter dissatisfaction
Trump's approval falls to 37% as economic concerns dominate, though immigration ratings improve and Republican support remains strong.
Fatal Shootings by Federal Agents Spark Nationwide Backlash Against ICE
Fatal ICE operation shootings intensify public backlash and protests against immigration enforcement.
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons announces resignation effective May 31, 2026
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons resigns after overseeing 584,000 deportations and aggressive enforcement policies.