President Trump removed Caleb Vitello from his position as acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), reassigning him to a more direct enforcement role as the administration intensifies mass deportations.
Vitello, who was appointed in January, will now oversee field operations focused on arresting and deporting undocumented immigrants.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) described this move as a strategic shift to support Trump’s aggressive immigration agenda. Vitello brings over 20 years of experience in ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations division.
This shake-up follows other personnel changes within ICE and reflects Trump’s focus on stricter border enforcement. The move is expected to escalate tensions with immigration advocates and Democratic states. Inside the administration, officials suggest further personnel changes are likely as Trump continues reshaping ICE to align with his enforcement-first approach.
