Every Presidential administration has people come and go. But Trump didn’t expect this one so soon.
As the Trump admin has already had its first major upheaval that no one saw coming.
Trump Administration Reassigns Acting ICE Director Amid Frustrations Over Deportation Pace and Media Leaks
In a move that highlights ongoing tensions within the Trump administration over the speed and effectiveness of mass deportations, the acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Caleb Vitello, is being reassigned to a new role. The decision comes in the wake of concerns over the pace of deportation operations and leaks to the media regarding upcoming ICE raids.
A spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed to the National Review that Vitello will no longer serve as acting director of ICE. Instead, he will assume a new position overseeing field and enforcement operations, which includes finding, arresting, and deporting illegal aliens — a key priority for both President Trump and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. The Wall Street Journal was the first to report on Vitello’s reassignment on Friday.
“He is no longer in an Administrative role, but is instead overseeing all field and enforcement operations: finding, arresting, and deporting illegal aliens, which is a major priority of the President and Secretary Noem,” the DHS spokesperson told the National Review.
Before being appointed acting ICE director, Vitello served as the assistant director for the office of firearms and tactical programs at ICE. With over 20 years of experience in immigration enforcement, Vitello has earned numerous awards for his work during his tenure with the agency.
While Vitello’s reassignment raises questions about the leadership and strategy behind ICE’s operations, the Trump administration has indicated that a new acting director will be appointed soon. This shake-up within ICE leadership coincides with growing frustration among top officials over the perceived slow pace of the administration’s deportation efforts.
Just a month into his presidency, Donald Trump, alongside border czar Tom Homan, expressed dissatisfaction with the speed of mass deportations — an initiative that has been central to his administration’s hardline stance on immigration. Homan, who has been a vocal proponent of increased enforcement, addressed the issue during an appearance on NewsNation, acknowledging some progress but emphasizing the need for more aggressive action.
The Department of Homeland Security is a national security agency.
We can, should, and will polygraph personnel. https://t.co/lapRAv4CCa
— Tricia McLaughlin (@TriciaOhio) February 19, 2025
“If you look at the rest of interior enforcement, it’s about three times higher than it was a year ago today. Three times higher is good, but I’m not satisfied. There are more criminal aliens that need to be arrested, hundreds of thousands,” Homan said. “Sanctuary cities are putting roadblocks up. We’ve got leaks. So we need to increase the arrests of illegal aliens, especially those with criminal convictions. So we’re going to continue.”
Trump’s mass deportation strategy has been aggressive from the outset of his presidency, focusing on individuals with violent criminal histories. ICE has been carrying out raids across the country, particularly in cities with large liberal populations, and has been publicizing statistics regarding daily deportations and detainers.
In addition to traditional ICE operations, the Trump administration has expanded its immigration enforcement apparatus. The President has enlisted the help of IRS agents and Justice Department employees to support efforts at the southern border, where illegal crossings have dropped significantly since Trump’s inauguration. DHS Secretary Noem also signed a memo last Thursday that deputized 600 State Department officials to assist with immigration enforcement and deportations.
In an effort to clamp down on leaks related to future ICE operations, Secretary Noem has warned employees that polygraph tests will be implemented to identify those who leak information to the media or unauthorized organizations. According to Bloomberg Government, Noem’s directive signals the administration’s heightened vigilance against potential security breaches. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin later appeared to confirm the policy in a social media post.
Tom Homan dropped a bombshell—DOJ has identified FBI leakers who sabotaged ICE raids.
Homan says they’re losing their jobs, pensions, and heading straight to jail on charges of treason.
Law and order is BACK. Who else is ready to see justice served? 🙋🏼♀️ pic.twitter.com/BEuGUXal58
— Desiree (@DesireeAmerica4) February 11, 2025
Homan has specifically pointed the finger at the FBI for leaking sensitive details about large-scale raids, accusing the agency of undermining enforcement efforts. He has gone so far as to suggest that individual agents found responsible for leaks should face criminal charges and be jailed for their actions.
President Donald Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, stated that authorities are closing in on the person suspected of leaking information about a significant ICE operation in the Aurora, Colorado area. This leak allegedly alerted violent gang members and disrupted planned arrests.
“We think it’s coming from inside. And we know the first leak in Aurora is under current investigation. We think we’ve identified that person,” Homan shared on Hannity on Monday. The leaked details are said to have allowed members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua to avoid capture during the operation last week, with federal agents arriving to mostly vacant apartments and buildings. In the end, only about 30 people were arrested.
Homan has been outspoken about the dangers of leaks, highlighting both the operational setbacks and the risks they pose to law enforcement personnel. “It’s just not giving the bad guys a heads-up so they can escape apprehension,” he remarked. “You’re putting officers’ lives at risk. It’s only a matter of time before we walk into a place where there’s going to be a bad guy who doesn’t care. He’s going to be sitting in wait to ambush an officer. This is not a game.”
At the same time, the Los Angeles Times reported another leak involving an ICE memo, which outlined an upcoming raid targeting individuals without legal status and those with pending removal orders. In response to this latest breach, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem took to social media, accusing the FBI of corruption.
Stay tuned to the DC Daily Journal.
