Trump replaces acting Immigration Enforcement head

President Trump on Monday night replaced Daniel Ragsdale in his role as acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The Washington Post said he would become ICE’s deputy director moving forward.

Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly announced late Monday that Thomas D. Homan would serve as ICE’s acting director. There was no reason immediately given for the change. 

{mosads}“I am confident that he will continue to serve as a strong, effective leader for the men and women of ICE,” Kelly said of Homan.

“I look forward to working alongside him to ensure that we enforce our immigration laws in the interior of the United States consistent with the national interest.”

Homan had served as executive associate director of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) since 2013. He led ICE efforts to identify, arrest, detain and remove illegal aliens in that capacity, the statement said of the 33-year law enforcement veteran.

Kelly’s statement did not mention Ragsdale, who was the second federal official whose job was affected by the Trump administration on Monday.

Trump fired acting Attorney General Sally Yates earlier that night, hours after she defied him by refusing to have the Justice Department defend his executive order on immigration and refugees in court.

The White House acted swiftly, declaring that Yates, who was appointed by former President Obama, had “betrayed” the administration.

Trump selected Dana Boente, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, to replace Yates until his attorney general pick, Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), is confirmed. That vote could occur this week.