Message from Secretary Kirstjen M. Nielsen on the Resignation of ICE Acting Director Ronald D. Vitiello

For over three decades, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Ronald Vitiello has protected our homeland with courage and conviction. Ron’s knowledge and expertise as a seasoned law enforcement professional has been invaluable to DHS, and he has left a legacy of excellence as our Department has expanded and refined our efforts to curb illegal immigration and secure our borders.
 
Ron’s career with the Department began in 1985 as a U.S. Border Patrol agent. Prior to leading ICE, he served U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in a variety of leadership roles, culminating in being named the Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol and later that same year, named CBP’s Acting Deputy Commissioner.
 
During his tenure leading ICE, Ron has been an unwavering advocate for the dedicated men and women who enforce our immigration laws and protect our nation from the illegal entry of drugs, human trafficking, transnational criminals, counterfeit goods, and so much more. On behalf of DHS I want to thank Ron for his service and dedication, and I wish him the very best in this next chapter of his career.