The administration of Donald Trump has named longtime immigration official David Venturella as the new acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to a statement issued by the Department of Homeland Security on Tuesday. Venturella succeeds Todd Lyons, who is set to leave the federal government on May 31. ICE has operated for several years under acting leadership and has not had a Senate-confirmed director since 2017. Before rejoining ICE last year, Venturella worked with GEO Group, a private prison company that manages multiple immigrant detention facilities across the United States.
Immigration enforcement has remained central to Trump’s policies since returning to office last year, with the administration defending its strict measures as necessary to reduce illegal immigration and strengthen national security. However, rights groups have sharply criticized the government’s actions, arguing that intensified detentions and deportations have raised concerns over due process, free speech, and the treatment of ethnic minorities. ICE has faced heightened scrutiny following several controversial enforcement incidents and nationwide protests earlier this year.
Human rights organizations have also expressed alarm over detention conditions within ICE facilities. Reports indicate that at least 18 deaths occurred in ICE custody during the first four months of 2026, following 31 deaths recorded in 2025 — the highest number in two decades. Advocacy groups recently highlighted cases involving Palestinian American detainee Leqaa Kordia and the detention of Hayam El Gamal and her five children, alleging deteriorating health conditions while in custody. The government has denied accusations of mistreatment, maintaining that detainees receive medical care and legal due process. Meanwhile, leadership changes continue within DHS following Trump’s replacement of former department chief Kristi Noem with Markwayne Mullin earlier this year.
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