President-elect Donald Trump has named Caleb Vitello as the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), announcing the appointment Thursday night.
Vitello, who has 23 years of experience with ICE, has played a pivotal role in the agency’s efforts to deport undocumented immigrants, Trump noted during the announcement.
“A member of the Senior Executive Service, with more than 23 years of service to ICE, Caleb currently serves as Assistant Director of the Office of Firearms and Tactical Programs, where he oversees Agency-wide training, equipment, and policy to ensure Officer and Public Safety,” Trump stated on Truth Social.
Prior to his tenure at ICE, Vitello served as Director for Interior Enforcement on the White House National Security Council, where he led initiatives including a child and welfare safety program, according to his ICE biography.
“Caleb’s exceptional leadership, extensive experience, and commitment to ICE’s mission make him an excellent choice to implement my efforts to enhance the safety and security of American communities who have been victimized by illegal alien crime,” Trump wrote of Vitello.
The announcement comes as Trump’s homeland security appointments draw attention, particularly with Fox News’s Pete Hegseth facing challenges in seeking Senate confirmation for a separate role.
