US President Donald Trump has removed Caleb Vitello, the acting chief of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), after the agency reportedly failed to meet expected arrest and deportation targets.
According to Reuters, a senior Trump administration official confirmed the decision, highlighting growing dissatisfaction within the administration over immigration enforcement efforts.
Vitello, who had been leading ICE in an acting capacity, had struggled under pressure from the Trump administration to intensify deportation efforts.
Homeland Security Clarifies Vitello’s New Role
Shortly after the news broke, a spokeswoman for the Homeland Security Department clarified to the Wall Street Journal that Vitello was not being removed but rather elevated to oversee all field and enforcement operations.
“He is no longer in an administrative role, but is overseeing all field and enforcement operations: finding, arresting, and deporting illegal aliens.”
As per reports, Vitello is expected to remain at ICE and lead the office responsible for arresting and deporting undocumented migrants. Meanwhile, another Trump administration official told WSJ that the White House would soon announce a new acting director for ICE.
Trump’s Growing Frustration with Immigration Enforcement
The reshuffle comes amid broader changes within ICE, including the reassignment of top officials in recent days. Trump, who personally selected Vitello for the role in December, had praised his leadership at the time of his nomination.
“A member of the Senior Executive Service, with over 23 years of service to [ICE], Caleb currently serves as Assistant Director of the Office of Firearms and Tactical Programs, where he oversees Agency-wide training, equipment, and policy to ensure Officer and Public Safety,” Trump wrote on TruthSocial.
“Caleb’s exceptional leadership, extensive experience, and commitment to [ICE]’s mission make him an excellent choice to implement my efforts to enhance the safety and security of American communities who have been victimized by illegal alien crime.”
ICE Leadership Shake-Up Continues
The reshuffling of ICE leadership follows the recent reassignments of Russell Hott and Peter Berg, as the administration pushes for stronger deportation measures.
Speaking to The Washington Post, a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson explained the urgency behind these changes:
“ICE needs a culture of accountability that it has been starved of for the past four years. We have a president, DHS secretary, and American people who rightfully demand results, and our ICE leadership will ensure the agency delivers.”
According to reports, Hott was reassigned to ICE’s Washington office, while Berg was moved to St. Paul, Minnesota.
Since taking office on January 20, Trump’s immigration authorities have been arresting an average of 826 people daily. However, officials believe the numbers are still not meeting expectations, prompting further action.
