The United States government has appointed Todd Lyons and Madison Sheahan as new leaders in the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office with the aim of strengthening the culture of accountability within the agency. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that it is crucial for ICE to identify, arrest, and deport illegal immigrants to fulfill the mandate of the American people.
Although the previous administration boasts of having increased deportation levels compared to the current one, ICE faces difficulties in reaching its daily deportation target due to a lack of human, logistical, and economic resources. This change in leadership comes at a time when President Trump requested Congress for an immigration budget to avoid a potential government shutdown.
It is estimated that the Trump administration needs at least $86 billion a year solely for immigration issues. Republicans have proposed increasing defense spending and reducing funding for other programs, which has created discrepancies with the Democrats.
On the other hand, the Office in Washington for Latin American Affairs (WOLA) has criticized the use of military personnel to stop migrants in the United States, Mexico, and Guatemala. The organization pointed out that soldiers are not adequately prepared to take on police duties and that their presence at the borders is not having the expected impact in the fight against drug trafficking.
Amid these circumstances, the new leadership at ICE under the direction of Lyons and Sheahan is expected to help the agency meet its objectives despite the challenges it faces. Kristi Noem highlighted the importance of empowering ICE employees to carry out their work and hold themselves accountable effectively.
