David Venturella is expected to be the new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) head after Todd Lyons departs on May 31, 2026, amid a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shake-up.
The New York Times reported that Venturella would be the Acting ICE director, citing three US officials in the know.
Notably, Venturella is yet to be appointed in the role and officials warned that President Trump might change his mind as well.
Here are five key things to know about the expected ICE head:
1. Venturella was with private prison company the GEO Group during the Obama administration before rejoining ICE.
2. He is reportedly known to prefer quieter operations rather than the volatile ones the DHS carried out last year.
3. Venturella has allies in the agency and the Trump administration, including Stephen Miller, Trump’s deputy chief of staff.
4. He began his law enforcement career in Chicago in 1986 with the former Immigration and Naturalization Service.
5. Venturella holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the Bradley University and finished a Senior Executive Leadership Program administered through Harvard University and MIT.
