Noem taps new ICE leadership to bring back accountability and results

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has made significant changes to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by appointing Todd Lyons as acting ICE director and Madison Sheahan as deputy director. Noem is focused on reinstating a culture of results and accountability within ICE under the Trump administration.

In a statement released on Sunday, Noem emphasized the need for ICE to have a culture of accountability that has been lacking under the Biden administration. She expressed confidence in Lyons and Sheahan’s ability to lead ICE in targeting, arresting, and deporting illegal aliens in line with the American people’s mandate.

Todd Lyons, the acting ICE director, currently serves as the acting executive associate director of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). With a background in federal service and civilian law enforcement, Lyons has held various roles within ICE, including overseeing field offices and domestic operations across the U.S.

Madison Sheahan, the new deputy director of ICE, has previously served as the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. She led a team of over 800 employees and oversaw a $280 million budget, demonstrating strong leadership skills and experience in law enforcement.

Prior to her role in Louisiana, Sheahan worked with Governor Noem in South Dakota, where she held leadership positions within the state Republican Party and worked on special initiatives to advance Noem’s agenda. Sheahan’s experience in law enforcement and government will be valuable in her new role at ICE.

Noem, who served as South Dakota governor before becoming Homeland Security Secretary, is leading the department at a crucial time when securing the border and tackling illegal immigration are top priorities. The administration has taken proactive measures to address these concerns, including deploying the military, restarting wall construction, and ending parole programs initiated during the Biden administration.

The appointments of Todd Lyons and Madison Sheahan reflect Secretary Noem’s commitment to strengthening ICE and ensuring accountability in immigration enforcement. As they step into their new roles, both Lyons and Sheahan are poised to lead ICE in achieving its mission of safeguarding the nation’s borders and upholding immigration laws.