Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently appointed Todd Lyons as the acting ICE director and Madison Sheahan as the deputy director of ICE. Noem emphasized the need for accountability and results within ICE, stating that the agency had been restricted in its duties under the Biden Administration. Lyons, who currently serves as the acting executive associate director of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, has extensive experience within ICE and previously served in various roles within the agency. Sheahan, the new deputy director, has experience working with Noem in the past and has served in leadership positions within the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Lyons began his federal service career in the U.S. Air Force in 1993, transitioning to civilian law enforcement in Florida in 1999 before joining ICE in 2007. Sheahan has worked with Noem in previous leadership roles in South Dakota and most recently served as the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. In this role, Sheahan oversaw a significant budget and a large team of employees across wildlife, fisheries, and enforcement divisions. She established the Special Operations Group within the enforcement division to prioritize public safety during major events in Louisiana, and advised Governor Jeff Landry in her capacity as secretary.
Noem, who previously served as the governor of South Dakota, was appointed as the eighth Secretary of Homeland Security in January 2025. She was one of the few members of the Trump administration to gain Senate approval for her position. Noem is now leading the department during a time when border security and tackling illegal immigration are key priorities for the administration. The Department of Homeland Security under Noem’s leadership has taken various actions to secure the border, including deploying the military, resuming wall construction, and ending Biden-era parole programs.
Both Lyons and Sheahan have been described as strong and accountable leaders who will guide ICE in meeting the American people’s mandate to target, arrest, and deport illegal aliens. Noem praised their work ethic and leadership qualities, asserting that ICE needs a culture of accountability that was lacking in the previous administration. Lyons’ experience in various roles within ICE, including oversight of field offices and domestic operations, positions him well to lead the agency. Sheahan’s leadership in the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and her previous work with Governor Noem demonstrate her capability to serve as the deputy director of ICE.
Noem’s appointments of Lyons and Sheahan mark a new chapter in ICE’s leadership, as the agency refocuses on accountability and outcomes in its enforcement efforts. The department’s priorities under Noem’s leadership include reinforcing border security, addressing illegal immigration, and implementing policies to uphold the rule of law. With Lyons as acting ICE director and Sheahan as deputy director, the agency is poised to navigate the complex challenges of immigration enforcement while upholding its mission to protect national security and public safety.
