The Trump administration has removed and replaced its acting head of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after the agency reportedly failed to meet expected arrest and deportation figures. According to Reuters, a senior official confirmed that Caleb Vitello, who was serving as the acting chief of ICE, has been relieved of his administrative role.
Vitello to Oversee Field Operations
Although Vitello is stepping down as ICE chief, he is not leaving the agency entirely. Instead, he will now lead the office responsible for overseeing the arrests and deportation of undocumented migrants. A spokeswoman from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) told The Wall Street Journal that his new role will focus more on field and enforcement operations.
Trump Administration’s Push for Stricter Immigration Enforcement
The removal of Vitello comes amid increasing pressure from the Trump administration to escalate immigration enforcement. Reports suggest that the White House will soon announce a new acting director for ICE, aiming to revamp the agency’s leadership and boost deportation efforts.
Leadership Reshuffle Amid Growing Frustration
Trump initially appointed Vitello as ICE chief last December, commending his 23 years of experience in federal service. However, despite the administration’s high expectations, deportation numbers have not met anticipated targets. In response, the White House has been reshuffling ICE leadership, with top officials Russell Hott and Peter Berg being reassigned to local offices in Washington and St. Paul, Minnesota, respectively.
ICE Faces Pressure to Deliver Results
Since taking office on January 20, the administration has averaged 826 arrests daily. However, these figures remain below the expected levels, leading to frustration within the administration. A DHS spokesperson emphasized the need for accountability within ICE, stating that both the president and the American public demand stronger immigration enforcement.
The latest moves indicate a clear push by the Trump administration to reshape ICE and prioritise stricter immigration policies in the coming months.
