Acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Caleb Vitello is being reassigned from his role at the agency due to concerns over a slowdown in immigration arrests, as reported by multiple sources. Despite publicly denying any dissatisfaction with deportation levels, President Donald Trump, who appointed Vitello to the position, has privately expressed frustration to his top immigration aides regarding the matter.
Vitello, a seasoned government official, is expected to be reassigned to oversee all field and enforcement operations related to finding, arresting, and deporting illegal aliens, which are key priorities for the President and Secretary of Homeland Security, according to Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin.
The Wall Street Journal initially broke the news of Vitello's reassignment. Tensions between the White House and ICE have escalated in recent weeks, with senior Trump officials reportedly voicing discontent with ICE for failing to meet its targets.
White House border czar Tom Homan expressed his dissatisfaction with the number of arrests made thus far, emphasizing the importance of locating and apprehending criminals. This sentiment was echoed earlier this month when two senior Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials were reassigned amid mounting pressure from the White House to increase arrest numbers.
