Trump’s ICE nominee decision could be imminent as deportation plan takes spotlight

President-elect Trump is expected to nominate a new leader for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the coming days, sources familiar with the proceedings have revealed to Fox News Digital. The decision is anticipated to be made as early as Friday, following discussions held at Mar-a-Lago this week. The nominee will need to undergo Senate confirmation before assuming the role.

While the specific candidates in consideration remain undisclosed, it was previously suggested that John Fabbricatore, a former ICE field officer, and Todd Lyons, who currently heads the agency’s Enforcement and Removal Operation (ERO) unit in Boston, were among the top contenders. However, Fabbricatore is no longer in the running, leaving Lyons as a leading candidate due to his exceptional leadership within the agency and his team’s successful efforts in apprehending criminal illegal immigrants in sanctuary cities.

The Trump transition team is seeking an individual with a strong law enforcement background to lead ICE, as the agency prepares for what the President-elect has promised will be a significant mass deportation operation. Thomas Homan, former ICE Director, has been appointed as the “border czar” and is expected to play a key role in border security and deportation efforts. Additionally, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has been nominated to lead the Department of Homeland Security.

The incoming administration is planning to expand detention facilities to accommodate the increased need for detainment as part of the deportation operation. This expansion includes the addition of beds and increased detention capacity near major cities to facilitate the process.

Despite these preparations, Democratic officials in states like Illinois, Arizona, and Massachusetts have voiced opposition to assisting the administration in the deportation operation. In contrast, Republican-led states like Texas have offered support, with Texas Governor Greg Abbott offering over 1,400 acres of land to stage mass deportations near the border.

As the new ICE leader is poised to step into the spotlight in the coming year, they will play a crucial role in implementing the administration’s immigration policies. The nomination is a critical decision with far-reaching implications for the future of immigration enforcement in the United States.