Story perspectives

Trump Waives Rules, Ex-Prison Exec Leads ICE

5/15/2026

Center

Venturella Leads ICE

President Donald Trump granted a waiver allowing former GEO Group executive David Venturella to bypass ethics rules.
David Venturella will serve as acting head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after Todd Lyons departs in May.
Department of Homeland Security announced appointment, saying Venturella will lead ICE during reduced public scrutiny.
Rep. Delia Ramirez criticized the move, arguing private-prison executives now control ICE contracting.

Left

Venturella Gets Waiver

The GEO Group posted a $254 million profit for fiscal year 2025, a 700 percent jump from the previous year.
President Donald Trump granted an ethics waiver allowing David Venturella to oversee contracts with his former employer, the GEO Group.
Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.) said the appointment lets corporate bosses profit from communities’ pain.
At least 18 ICE custody deaths occurred in four months of 2026, sparking anger.

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Venturella Leads ICE

President Donald Trump granted a waiver allowing former GEO Group executive David Venturella to bypass ethics rules.
David Venturella will serve as acting head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after Todd Lyons departs in May.
Department of Homeland Security announced appointment, saying Venturella will lead ICE during reduced public scrutiny.
Rep. Delia Ramirez criticized the move, arguing private-prison executives now control ICE contracting.

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