Acting ICE Director Out For Slow Pace of Illegal Immigrant Arrests

The acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been removed from his position.

The Trump administration is replacing Caleb Vitello because they are not pleased with the current pace at which arrests and deportations of illegal immigrants are being made.

Fox News confirmed the personnel change through a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

"Caleb Vitello, acting director of ICE, is no longer in an Administrator role," DHS said. "He is, however, overseeing all field and enforcement operations: finding, arresting, and deporting illegal aliens, which is a major priority of President Trump and Secretary Noem."

ICE has seen a 137% increase in arrests from Jan 20 to Feb 8 of this year (11,791) compared to the same period in 2024 (4,969), according to data from the Department of Homeland Security. The Trump administration is hoping to hit higher numbers moving forward.

Arrests of aliens with criminal histories have jumped by nearly 100% from 4,526 in the same period in 2024 to 8,993 under Trump's first month.

Border crossings have significantly dropped ever since Trump entered office too. Border czar Tom Homan said crossings are down 95% from the highest numbers during former President Joe Biden's term.