In a significant shake-up at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), President-elect Donald Trump has announced the impending appointment of Caleb Vitello as the acting director.

Vitello replaces Patrick "PJ" Lechleitner in a move geared toward initiating the largest deportation operation in U.S. history. as the Washington Examiner reports.

Vitello's Long Service at ICE

Trump's decision, announced late Thursday evening, marks a pivotal shift in the leadership at ICE. Vitello is a seasoned official within the agency, where he has served for over 23 years.

Currently, he is the assistant director of the Office of Firearms and Tactical Programs.

In his role, Vitello has been responsible for overseeing agency-wide training, equipment, and policy related to officer and public safety. His extensive experience includes roles that ensure the effectiveness and safety of operations within ICE.

Transition After Prolonged Leadership Debates

The appointment ends a month-long discussion concerning leadership at ICE. Vitello's diverse roles within the agency include overseeing the Fugitive Operations Academy, and he has served as deputy assistant director and leader of the National Fugitive Operations Program.

He was also the chief of staff for ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), managing a workforce of over 8,000 employees. This vast experience within the agency likely prepared him for his new role as the acting director.

Vitello's Background and ICE's Direction

Vitello's career also includes a tenure at the White House National Security Council in 2018, where he focused on national security and child safety threats.

His extensive background positions him as a capable leader for ICE's new stringent policies under Trump's administration.

ICE has lacked a confirmed leader since Sarah Saldaña's tenure ended in late 2016. The Biden administration's nominee for ICE director, Ed Gonzalez, withdrew in mid-2022 amid a failure to be confirmed, which was further complicated by personal scandal allegations.

Implications for Deportation Policies

Under Trump's new directive, ICE plans to deport between 500,000 to 1 million illegal immigrants with criminal records. This aggressive deportation strategy is a cornerstone of Trump's commitment to enhance public safety and security in American communities.

An estimated 1.3 million individuals who have been ordered deported remain in the U.S. Trump's strategy addresses this gap, aiming to significantly reduce it as part of his broader immigration reform.

Political and Public Reactions

According to exit polls following the Nov. 5 election, immigration and border security remain top concerns among voters, particularly in battleground states. Trump's appointment of Vitello is seen as a direct response to these concerns, reflecting his administration's priorities.

Trump praised Vitello, noting, "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."

Insights from Transition Team Sources

One source close to the transition team described Vitello as a "good temporary pick that removes the Biden administration appointee with a seasoned enforcement-minded leader."

This sentiment echoes the administration's intent to enforce stricter immigration policies effectively.

Another source highlighted Vitello's prior collaboration with Stephen Miller, a key figure in Trump's earlier administration known for his stringent immigration policies.

"He had a close working relationship with Stephen Miller. Miller liked him a lot and relied heavily on him. Caleb was regularly the voice of reason in those West Wing meetings," the source added in a text message.