Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons submits resignation letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin

According to a source, Lyons has overseen roughly 584,000 ICE deportations since Trump was inaugurated in 2025

April 16, 2026 8:16pm EDT

Acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd Lyons submitted his resignation letter to Homeland SecretaryMarkwayne Mullin Thursday, writing that he will stay on through May 31 to assist the transition process, Fox News has confirmed.

According to a source, Lyons said in his letterhe wants to spend more time with his family, including his sons, who are "reaching a pivotal point in their lives," and that it's been a privilege to serve under President Donald Trump.

"Director Lyons has been a great leader of ICE and key player in helping the Trump administration remove murderers, rapists, pedophiles, terrorists and gang members from American communities," Mullin said in a statement.

"He jumpstarted an agency that had not been allowed to do its job for four years. Thanks to his leadership, American communities are safer."

Lyons has overseen roughly 584,000 ICE deportations since President Donald Trump was inaugurated for a second term last year.

He has served with ICE for 20 years and was previously in special forces in the U.S. Air Force.

"We wish him luck on his next opportunity in the private sector. His last day is May 31, 2026," Mullin concluded.

In a statement to Fox News, Trump border czar Tom Homan praised Lyons' selflessness in serving as director.

"Todd has served selflessly as a highly respected and effective acting Director of U.S. ICE," Homan said. "Under his leadership, ICE achieved a record number of removals in the first year of this Administration, despite unprecedented challenges, delivering on the President’s promise to deport illegal aliens who have no right to be in the U.S., especially those that are public safety risks or pose a threat to our national security.

"I commend him for a distinguished law enforcement career and the countless contributions he has made to protect our country and advance its interests.

White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller added in a statement to Fox News that, "Todd is a phenomenal patriot and dedicated leader who has been at the center of President Trump’s historic efforts to secure our homeland and reverse the Democrats’ sinister border invasion."

"His courageous work at ICE has saved countless thousands of American lives and helped deliver safety and tranquility to millions of Americans," he added.

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/acting-ice-director-todd-lyons-submits-resignation-letter-dhs-secretary-markwayne-mullin

Eric Daugherty

@EricLDaugh

🚨 JUST IN: The Supreme Court is reportedly about to GUT the pro-Democrat race based VRA Congressional Districts, and the decision could drop imminently

THIS WOULD BE HUGE!!

"I have been told by reliable sources that decision is DONE and the minority is SLOW-WALKING the dissent so states do not have time to redistrict ahead of it." — former White House press secretary Sean Spicer

We could gain over a DOZEN HOUSE SEATS depending how much SCOTUS weakens Section 2 of the VRA — if they indeed do this.

Nothing is final yet, but if and when it is, that's a JAW-DROPPING DEFEAT for the Left!

It's unclear EXACTLY how many the GOP could pick up for the 2026 midterms.FLORIDA convenes soon, but it depends on when this drops.

h/t

@OpenSourceZone

@seanspicer

https://x.com/EricLDaugh/status/2044923998555763040?s=20

Police investigate bomb threat at the home of Pope Leo's brother

The incident comes amid a brewing feud between President Donald Trump and the first American pontiff over the war with Iran.

The Illinois home of one of Pope Leo XIV’s brothers was the target of a bomb threat, which was found to be unsubstantiated, police said Thursday.

The report came in at around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. New Lenox police said they initiallyresponded to the bomb threat at the home of John Prevost, one of Leo's older brothers, located about 40 miles southwest of Chicago.

Police officers secured a perimeter around the house and surrounding homes were evacuated out of an abundance of caution, New Lenox police said in a news release Wednesday. They conducted "a thorough search of the residence and surrounding property," alongside specialized units that use explosive detection K9s, and determined the threat was "unsubstantiated and that no explosive devices or hazardous materials were present."

No one was injured and evacuated residents were allowed to safely return to their homes afterward.

New Lenox Police Chief Micah D. Nuesse told NBC News in an email Thursday that an investigation to determine the origin of the report remains "active and ongoing."

NBC News reached out to Prevost on Thursday, but did not immediately hear back.

New Lenox police warned in their news release Wednesday that "making false reports of this nature is a serious offense and may result in criminal charges" and encouraged anyone with information about the incident to contact their office.

The incident comes amid an escalating feud between Leo and President Donald Trump over the first American pontiff’s criticism of the war with Iran.

It remains unclear whether the reported bomb threat is connected to any of these recent statements.

The feud began growing Sunday when Trump lashed out at Leo, calling him "WEAK on crime" and “terrible for Foreign Policy” following the pope's criticism of the war. Leo then responded by saying he has “no fear of the Trump administration" and vowed to keep up his appeals for peace that he said were rooted in the Gospel.

Trump then published a now-deleted social media post of an AI-generated image of himself as a Christ-like savior after the president said he's "not a big fan of Pope Leo."

Leo is in the middle of an 11-day trip through North Africa to honor his spiritual forefather,St. Augustine, who preached that war was only justified to protect the innocent.

During a visit to a care home in the Algerian port city of Annaba on Tuesday, Leo said. “God’s heart is torn apart by wars, violence, injustice and lies.”

He added, “Our Father’s heart is not with the wicked, the arrogant or the proud.”

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/pope-leo-brother-bomb-threat-police-investigate-rcna332136

POLITICS

Senate overturns Boundary Waters protections, a boon for Chilean mining company

PUBLISHED THU, APR 16 20264:51 PM EDTUPDATED 27 MIN AGO

KEY POINTS

• The Senate on Thursday overturned a mining moratorium in Minnesota’s Superior National Forest, a boon for a Chilean mining conglomerate Antofagasta.

• The chamber voted 50-49 to overturn a 20-year protection imposed by President Joe Biden in 2023, clearing the way for a long-stalled mine project proposed by Twin Metals Minnesota to restart plans to access the immense mineral stores in the Superior National Forest near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

• The vote came over the objection of Democrats and two Republicans, Sens. Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Susan Collins of Maine, who warned of irreparable harm to the Boundary Waters.

The mine sought by Twin Metals, a subsidiary of Chilean mining conglomerate Antofagastaseeks to access copper, nickel, cobalt and platinum buried deep under the Superior National Forest. While the site itself is outside of the Boundary Waters and the company dismisses pollution concerns, opponents say it would inevitably spill toxic chemicals into the Boundary Waters.

“Twin Metals Minnesota is one of several companies focused on responsibly developing the minerals in the Duluth Complex,which is the world’s largest known undeveloped copper, nickel, cobalt and platinum group metals deposit,” Twin Metals spokesperson Kathy Graul said in a statement to CNBC. “A significant portion of these resources were locked up as a result of the mineral withdrawal enacted in 2023, negatively impacting communities across the Iron Range.”

“The Twin Metals team looks forward to a robust discussion and engagement with our communities through any future regulatory processes,” Graul added.

Republicans who pushed the resolution lauded the result.The change went forward under the Congressional Review Act procedure that allows Congress to undo new executive rulemakings by a simple majority vote. It cleared the House in January.

“A major victory for America and Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District was secured today,” Rep. Pete Stauber, R-Minn., said in a post to X. “The Senate just passed my bill to reverse Biden’s illegal mining ban in the Superior National Forest – it’s now headed to the President’s desk!”

The vote came over the objection of Democrats and two Republicans, Sens. Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Susan Collins of Maine, who warned of irreparable harm to the Boundary Waters and irregular use of the Congressional Review Act that could come back to bite the now-majority Republicans if Democrats control the Senate.

The Boundary Waters was established as a federal wilderness area by a 1978 law. Motorized boats and other vehicles are mostly prohibited on the nearly 2,000 lakes spanning 1.1 million acres in northeastern Minnesota bordering Canada.

Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., the ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, said the vote was a “dark day” and a “stain” on the Senate.

“I can tell you, as somebody who has been a natural resources trustee, who has had to negotiate with copper companies in my own state, that this type of copper mining has never been done without polluting the water. Never, not once,” he said in a floor speech before the vote. “So we’re guaranteeing that we’re going to pollute the Boundary Waters.”

The resolution was also passed over the objections of the Minnesota Senate delegation, Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, who are both Democrats.

“You can support mining, but that does not mean that you support every mine in every place,” Smith said. “Whatever the outcome of this vote this afternoon, we will not stop fighting, and we will not stop our work to protect the Boundary Waters.”

https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/16/minnesota-boundary-waters-mining-congress.html

Vince Langman

@LangmanVince

Eric Swalwell broke Rossie O'Donnell's heart!

Sorry guys now she believes that all men suck! 😂

(She also dressed up and fixed her face for the first time in years, it looks weird)

https://x.com/LangmanVince/status/2044581479024398414?s=20

>>24509058

Honestly, who on God’s Green Earth, listens to this nut job! Plus there’s no way her face looks like that

>>24509068. I know there’s way to many videos with her looking like a hag

>>24509058. Besides having a hateful soul and AI generated face, she’s got the worst taste in clothes ever

>>24508913

He is the worst liar ever. Starmer is hiding in a human suit

>>24509117. Honestly how did she ever get elected. She not just ugly she is hideously stupid

Guards say forces 'finger on the trigger' as Trump says Iran war will end soon5 minutes ago

Summary

• Iran’s internet blackout stretched to 49 days, with connectivity holding at about 2% of normal levels and only limited access to some services, NetBlocks said.

• US President Donald Trump said he was not sure the ceasefire with Iran needs to be extended, adding that the next round of talks with Tehran could take place over the weekend.

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said US President Donald Trump is determined to continue the naval blockade on Iran and efforts to dismantle what remains of its nuclear capabilities. (Why is Bibi butting in and announcing what Trump will do?)

• US President Donald Trump on Thursday said Israel and Lebanon had agreed to formally begin a 10-day ceasefire at 5 p.m. EST.

• The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine said on Thursday that US forces turned back 13 ships under the Iran blockade, which applies to all vessels heading to or from Iranian ports.

•European countries could help clear mines and escort ships in the Strait of Hormuz, with allies set to discuss efforts to restore navigation,French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin said on Friday.(she has more courage than the men leaders)

23 minutes ago

Iran says Hormuz open for shipping during ceasefire

Iran’s foreign minister said passage through the Strait of Hormuz is fully open for commercial vessels for the duration of a ceasefire linked to Lebanon, in remarks on Friday.

Abbas Araghchi said shipping will follow routes coordinated by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organisation.

In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, thepassage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire, on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Rep. of Iran.

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) April 17, 2026

57 minutes ago

Iran commander says US, Israel must submit

A senior Iranian military commander said the United States and Israelhave no option but to submit to Iran’s armed forces, in remarks marking Army Day on Friday. KEK

Ali Abdollahi, commander of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said Iran’smilitary is ready "to make adversaries regret their actionsand will continue operations until full victory," adding thatUS and Israeli officials face no alternative but "to yield to Iran’s power."(sorry but I thought Trump has a big ego, and he also has humility; but these leaders have neither they sound like ego maniacs with no reality.They seem like they consider themselves the kings of the world, even when they lose constantly. I guess that is their affirmations of positive thinking or real insanity, not like Tony Robbins positive thinking though.)

1 hour ago

Iran delegation, citing possible Israeli threat, got Pakistan escort home - Reuters(I would think the same of Israel, it’s not paranoia, it’s a possibility)

Pakistan deployed fighter jets to escort an Iranian delegation home from talks with the United Statesafter concerns were raised they could be targetedduring their return, sources told Reuters.

The move came afterIranian officialsdiscussed the possibility of anIsraeli strikefollowing last weekend’sinconclusive talksin Islamabad, according to three sources familiar with the matter.

About 20 aircraft, including fighter jets and an airborne warning system,were involved in the operation to сопровide cover for the delegation, two Pakistani sources said.

A regional diplomat said the threat was described as a possibility rather than an imminent risk,but Pakistan moved ahead with the escort as a precaution.

“When the talks failed, the Iranians were wary thatthings had not gone right,” a security source said.“It was their suspicion that they might be targeted.”. (I’m not sure they were afraid, but using this for propaganda if the bow out of negotiations later on. Admitting fear is not something Iran leaders seem to do.)

The delegation, which included senior Iranian officials, was escorted beyond Pakistani airspace, one source said, adding thatsimilar measures could be used for future rounds of talks.

Theepisode underscores the tensions surrounding the negotiations, even as both sides signal willingness to continue dialogue. (The Iran leaders are not paranoid per se, when it comes to Israel. Other mid east countries fear Israel’s insane attacks on many countries)

https://www.iranintl.com/en/202604139495

35 minutes ago

BREAKING NEWS

Trump says Hormuz open but Iran blockade remains

US President Donald Trump said the Strait of Hormuz is open to global shipping but that a naval blockade targeting Iran will remain in place until an agreement is finalized.

“The Strait of Hormuz is completely open and ready for business and full passage, but the naval blockade will remain in full force… until our transaction with Iran is 100% complete.This process should go very quickly in that most of the points are already negotiated,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social on Friday.

39 minutes ago

US weighs $20 billion deal for Iran uranium, Axios says

The United States and Iran are negotiating a three-page plan to end the war that includes a proposal for Washington to release $20 billion in frozen Iranian funds in exchange for Tehran giving up its stockpile of enriched uranium, according to Axios, citing US officials and sources briefed on the talks.

49 minutes ago

Trump says Iran announced Strait of Hormuz fully open

US President Donald Trump said Iran had announced the Strait of Hormuz was fully open for shipping, in a post on Truth Social on Friday. “Iran has just announced that the Strait of Iran is fully open and ready for full passage. Thank you!” Trump wrote.

54 minutes ago

Oil prices drop 10% after Hormuz reopening

Crude oil prices dropped sharply after Iran’s foreign minister said the Strait of Hormuz would remain open for shipping during a 10-day ceasefire, on Friday. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate fell 10.23% to $85.19 per barrel, while Brent crude dropped 10.01% to $90.52.

1 hour ago

Iran’s foreign minister said passage through the Strait of Hormuz is fully open for commercial vessels for the duration of a ceasefire linked to Lebanon, in remarks on Friday.

Abbas Araghchi said shipping will follow routes coordinated by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organisation.

In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire, on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Rep. of Iran.

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) April 17, 2026

BREAKING NEWIran says Hormuz open for shipping during ceasefireIran’s foreign minister said passage through the Strait of Hormuz is fully open for commercial vessels for the duration of a ceasefire linked to Lebanon, in

1 hour ago

Iran commander says US, Israel must submit

A senior Iranian military commander said theUnited States and Israel have no option but to submit to Iran’s armed forces, in remarks marking Army Day on Friday. (KEK keep of hoping and wishing guys)

Ali Abdollahi, commander of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters saidIran’s military is ready "to make adversaries regret their actions and will continue operations until full victory," adding that US and Israeli officials face no alternative but "to yield to Iran’s power." (They’ve got to be saying these things, because the military soldiers have been escaping in droves? I couldn’t stop laughing when I read the last paragraph.)

https://www.iranintl.com/en/liveblog/202604159162