DHS replaces head of ICE over deportation, arrest concerns
The Trump administration has made a significant move by replacing the acting head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) due to concerns about the pace of deportations and arrests of illegal immigrants. Acting ICE Director Caleb Vitello has been removed from his position as the administration is not satisfied with the rate of deportations and arrests, according to a source familiar with the situation.
The development was first reported by the Wall Street Journal and later confirmed by a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security to Fox News. Vitello is no longer in an administrator role but is overseeing all field and enforcement operations related to finding, arresting, and deporting illegal aliens, which are key priorities for President Trump and Secretary Noem.
ICE arrests have seen a significant increase since the beginning of the administration, but they have not met the administration’s targets. President Trump had promised a “historic” mass deportation campaign during his campaign. Department of Homeland Security data shows a 137% increase in interior ICE arrests from January 20 to February 8 compared to the same period last year.
Arrests of aliens with criminal histories have also surged by nearly 100% during the same period. Additionally, the number of illegal migrants entering the U.S. without apprehension has decreased significantly at the southern border since the beginning of February.
The Trump administration has taken several steps to expand ICE enforcement, including lifting Biden-era limits on where agents can make arrests, deputizing officers from other agencies, and using federal prisons to house illegal immigrants. The administration has also ended Biden-era parole policies and is utilizing Guantanamo Bay to house migrants.
Furthermore, the Department of Homeland Security has initiated legal action against sanctuary cities that do not cooperate with ICE. The administration has also ended a Biden-era extension of Temporary Protected Status for Haitian nationals, following a similar move for Venezuelans last month.
In conclusion, the Trump administration is taking decisive action to ramp up ICE enforcement and crack down on illegal immigration. These changes reflect the administration’s commitment to border security and immigration control.
Adam Shaw, a politics reporter for Fox News Digital, covers immigration and border security. He can be reached at adam.shaw2@fox.com or on Twitter.
