As migrant arrests plunge and deportation numbers go haywire, Donald Trump demotes ICE Director Caleb Vitello
ICE Director Caleb Vitello has been reassigned as the Trump administration remains dissatisfied with the pace of migrant arrests and deportations. Vitello, a 23-year veteran of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), was appointed as acting director in December 2024. However, amid growing frustration from President Donald Trump over enforcement numbers, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed on Friday that Vitello will now oversee “all field and enforcement operations,” including locating, arresting, and deporting illegal immigrants. No new ICE chief has been named yet.
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Why did Trump demote ICE Director Caleb Vitello?
The decision to demote Caleb Vitello comes after reports indicated a slowdown in ICE deportations despite an initial rise earlier in Trump’s presidency. NBC News reports that Trump, 78, has been expressing «anger» over what he sees as insufficient enforcement. The Washington Post also noted that Vitello is the third high-ranking ICE official to be reassigned in just a week, signaling a broader shake-up within the agency.
A DHS spokesperson emphasized the administration’s demand for results, stating, “We have a president, DHS secretary, and American people who rightfully demand results, and our ICE leadership will ensure the agency delivers.”
Who else has been removed from ICE leadership?
Vitello’s reassignment follows
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