Madison Sheahan, the No. 2 official at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and an ally of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, is departing the agency to run for Congress. This move was confirmed by two U.S. officials.
Sheahan was appointed as ICE's deputy director in March, during a period of leadership change within the agency and increased focus on immigration arrests and deportations nationwide. Secretary Noem confirmed Sheahan's departure, stating that Sheahan would be "a great defender of freedom" in Congress and praised her leadership at ICE in targeting, arresting, and deporting criminal illegal aliens.
Sheahan's appointment, given her age of 28 and perceived lack of significant law enforcement experience, reportedly caused frustration among some agency officials. Before her role at ICE, Sheahan served as the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and was an aide to Noem during her governorship in South Dakota.
In a message to ICE employees, Sheahan expressed pride in having "strengthened" ICE and "restored its purpose," also thanking President Trump and Secretary Noem for their leadership. ICE is responsible for deportations and immigration arrests within the U.S. and has been central to the Trump administration's immigration enforcement strategy. The agency's operations, including the deployment of agents to major cities, have drawn criticism from local leaders and residents.