Apr 10, 2019 - Politics & Policy

Acting ICE Director Ron Vitiello to exit his post on Friday

Ronald Vitiello. Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images

Ronald Vitiello will vacate his position as acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Friday, an agency spokesperson confirmed to Politico.

The backdrop: President Trump abruptly pulled Vitiello's nomination on April 5 for the director position, saying he intends to move the federal enforcement agency in a "tougher direction." ICE has not disclosed details of Vitiello's replacement, though Matthew Albence — the acting deputy director — is technically next in line. Vitiello has been in the position since June 2018.

The big picture: A number of high-level officials at the Department of Homeland Security have exited in the past week, including Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, acting Deputy Secretary Claire Grady and Secret Service chief Randolph "Tex" Alles. The shakeup comes as Trump plans to execute the most aggressive changes in immigration policy since his inauguration, in response to an ongoing surge of migrants at the border.

Go deeper: Inside Trump's new hardline immigration crackdown

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