Markwayne Mullin is making significant changes at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This comes as Todd Lyons, the acting director of ICE, has announced his resignation effective May 31, 2026.
Lyons has held this position since March 2025. His tenure faced scrutiny from lawmakers regarding ICE’s actions.
Public perceptions of ICE during Lyons’ time were notably low. Most U.S. adults reported an unfavorable view of the agency.
Mullin has vowed to end the spending freeze that was instituted by former Secretary Kristi Noem. He aims to select a permanent administrator to lead FEMA.
But there are uncertainties surrounding these plans. It remains unclear who will replace Todd Lyons as acting director of ICE.
Mullin’s statements suggest a reduced federal role in disaster response. “We shouldn’t look at FEMA as being a first responder, but … as supporting the first responders you already have,” he stated.
Currently, FEMA has not offered new long-term infrastructure aid money from a major program in about a year. Additionally, the National Flood Insurance Program’s discount program has been suspended due to a lapsed contract.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding whether Mullin can restore FEMA to a pre-Noem level of functionality. Markwayne Mullin expressed his best wishes for Lyons, saying, “We wish him luck on his next opportunity in the private sector.”
