Trump administration reassigning acting ICE director

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The Trump administration has removed Caleb Vitello, the acting head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, from his position, according to two former high-ranking officials with the Department of Homeland Security, as well as one current high-ranking DHS official.

Homeland Security Secretary has also expressed frustration with media leaks coming out of ICE that he says have resulted in fewer arrests than ICE had anticipated in certain operations.

The current senior official at DHS stated that Vitello will remain at ICE, overseeing enforcement of arrests, targeting, and field operations. The official also mentioned that an announcement will be made soon regarding who will take over as the acting ICE director.

A former ICE official told NBC News that Vitello "grew up" within the Enforcement and Removal Operations division of ICE. The official noted that with over 20 years of experience at ICE, Vitello is well-acquainted with how the agency carries out arrests of immigrants with criminal convictions.

Jason Houser, who served as chief of staff at ICE during the Biden administration until early 2023, described Vitello as a thoughtful and capable leader. "He understands the intricacies and difficulties of a flawed immigration system," Houser said.

When Vitello was named, several insiders from various agencies shared their relief that an experienced ICE veteran had been selected.

"He's extremely level-headed. Honestly, I can't think of a single issue that's ever caused any controversy surrounding him. I wouldn't say he's a Boy Scout, but he's as close as it gets," said Corey Price, the former acting executive associate director of Enforcement and Removal Operations.

A current ICE agent stated that Vitello was "very popular" among the rank and file during his time as acting director.

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