Story perspectives

Former GEO Exec Leads ICE, Raising Private-Prison Concerns

5/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

David Venturella, former GEO Group executive, was appointed acting head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), sparking concerns about private-prison influence over detention contracts.
Todd Lyons will leave his acting ICE chief role on May 31, ending his tenure.
The agency has run under acting leaders since a Senate-confirmed director retired in January 2017.
Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the goal is for ICE to stay out of daily headlines and operate quietly.

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Story summary

David Venturella, former GEO Group executive, was appointed acting head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), sparking concerns about private-prison influence over detention contracts.
Todd Lyons will leave his acting ICE chief role on May 31, ending his tenure.
The agency has run under acting leaders since a Senate-confirmed director retired in January 2017.
Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the goal is for ICE to stay out of daily headlines and operate quietly.