Todd Lyons Joins Defense Contractor After Leading ICE

Todd Lyons, former acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has been appointed as senior vice president for U.S. homeland security and international affairs by Navigators Security and Defense. Lyons previously directed ICE during significant enforcement periods of the Trump administration.

Role at Navigators Security and Defense

Navigators Security and Defense, a subsidiary of Navigators Global, confirmed the hiring of Lyons to NPR. Lyons will focus on homeland defense strategy, interagency operations, and international security. Due to federal regulations, Lyons is restricted from engaging with the Department of Homeland Security for a year. Navigators Global represents a range of clients, including private prison contractor GEO Group, which operates several detention centers.

ICE Tenure and Enforcement Operations

Lyons’ tenure at ICE spanned from March 2025 to May 2026. Under his leadership, ICE conducted aggressive immigration enforcement operations, including highly publicized raids in Chicago and Minneapolis. Despite pressure, the set quota of 3,000 daily arrests was not achieved. Lyons stepped down in May 2026, succeeded by David Venturella, who has experience both with ICE and GEO Group.

GEO Group’s Financial Success

GEO Group, benefiting from ties to the Trump administration, reported a 700% income increase in 2025 compared to 2024, bringing in $254 million. GEO Group celebrated its business achievements in 2026, with Chairman George Zoley stating the prior year was the most successful in their company’s history.