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DHS Names David Venturella Acting ICE Director as Todd Lyons Departs

The longtime ICE official’s past work for GEO Group is expected to face new conflict-of-interest scrutiny.

Overview

  • DHS confirmed Tuesday that David Venturella will serve as acting ICE director when Todd Lyons’ resignation takes effect on May 31.
  • Venturella is a career immigration official who served at the former INS and in senior ICE roles and is viewed as an ally of White House border leader Tom Homan.
  • He previously worked for the private detention company GEO Group, and ICE says he has divested from the firm and will not review or recommend detention contracts.
  • Coverage cites his preference for quieter, targeted operations, and Homan told CBS News the agency has shifted that way after the Minneapolis shootings that killed two U.S. citizens.
  • ICE has lacked a Senate-confirmed director since 2017, leaving the agency to rely on acting leaders during ongoing debates over enforcement funding and oversight.