Apr 11, 2019 - Politics & Policy

Michael Albence named new acting director of ICE

Rashaan Ayesh

Mexico-US border — Photo: Herika Martinez/Getty Images

Acting Deputy Director Matthew Albence is expected to lead U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement following Acting Director Ronald Vitiello's official resignation on Wednesday, Buzzfeed reports.

Details: Per The Huffington Post, Vitiello named Albence as his replacement in an email sent to his colleagues on Thursday, stating: "Beginning tomorrow I will be out of the office, during which time Acting Deputy Director Matt Albence will be leading the agency."

Background: Albence previously served as the executive director of enforcement and removal operations with ICE and has a reputation for his harsh approach, defending the decision to separate families along the border, and characterizing it much like "summer camp," in the summer of 2018. He also wrote a 2017 memo instructing ICE officials to act immediately when they encounter any undocumented migrant in the U.S., per Buzzfeed. Albence has been with ICE for nearly 24 years.

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Michael Albence named new acting director of ICE

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