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President-elect Donald Trump has moved quickly to announce key appointments for immigration and border security, naming a “border czar” and a nominee for Homeland Security secretary. However, several significant positions remain unfilled, including leadership roles at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Tom Homan has been announced as the new “border czar,” tasked with overseeing deportations and border security, while South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has been nominated to head the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Discussions about filling other critical roles have yet to begin in earnest and may not start until December. Nonetheless, sources familiar with these agencies shared with Fox News Digital potential candidates for Trump’s immigration “dream team.”
Potential ICE Leadership Candidates
Todd Lyons
Currently serving as ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Field Office Director in Boston, Lyons has led efforts to apprehend criminal illegal immigrants, particularly in areas affected by sanctuary city policies. His unit has handled numerous high-profile cases involving sex offenders, highlighting the impact of releasing criminal immigrants into communities.
Sources suggest Lyons is a leading contender for ICE director, with one insider noting they would be “shocked” if he were not nominated due to his expertise in sanctuary city issues—a likely top priority for the Trump administration.
Rodney Scott
A former Border Patrol chief, Scott served in the role from 2020 until his removal by the Biden administration in mid-2021. Since then, he has been an outspoken critic of Biden’s immigration policies, accusing the administration of deliberately undermining border security.
“We handed them the most secure border in the history of the United States and a roadmap to keep it that way,” Scott said earlier this year. “Through 94 executive actions, President Biden completely destroyed border security.”
Scott’s extensive experience, including leading the San Diego sector, makes him a strong candidate for a senior role.
Brandon Judd
The former head of the National Border Patrol Council (NBPC), Judd has been an agent since 1997 and played a significant role in supporting Trump’s immigration agenda during his first term. He has criticized the Biden administration’s handling of the border crisis and has been a vocal advocate for Trump’s policies.
“Under President Trump, our border was secure, our agents were supported, migrants weren’t suffering at the hands of cartels, and our country was safer,” Judd said in August.
Additional Candidates for DHS and ICE Roles
John Fabbricatore
A retired ICE Field Office Director, Fabbricatore oversaw operations in Colorado and Wyoming and led initiatives targeting fugitives. Since retiring, he has raised concerns about Venezuelan gang activity and recently ran as a Republican congressional candidate. While his specific role remains unclear, insiders believe he will likely hold a position within ICE.
Jon Feere
Currently the Director of Investigations at the Center for Immigration Studies, Feere served as a senior adviser to the ICE director and ICE chief of staff during Trump’s first term. His expertise in sanctuary city policies and employment visa programs makes him a strong contender for a policy or enforcement role.
Tony Pham
A Vietnamese immigrant and former acting ICE director, Pham led operations targeting illegal immigrants released under sanctuary city policies. He has emphasized his commitment to enforcing lawful immigration pathways.
“When people cheat… they demean and diminish the lawful pathway—what my parents endured to become lawful citizens,” Pham said in 2020.
CBP and USCIS Leadership Prospects
Robert Perez
A former CBP deputy commissioner, Perez served during both the Trump and Biden administrations. He has been critical of the current immigration system and now leads a foundation supporting CBP employees. While CBP would be his natural fit, sources believe Perez could excel in any DHS role.
Joe Edlow
A former acting USCIS director, Edlow is one of the few names being floated for a potential return to the agency. He oversaw initiatives such as the public charge rule and is seen as a “very serious” candidate.
Rob Law
Law, who held senior policy roles at USCIS during Trump’s first term, is now with the America First Policy Institute. His detailed policy knowledge and agency experience make him another strong contender for a leadership role.
As Trump builds his immigration team, these candidates represent a focus on border security, enforcement, and rolling back policies from the Biden administration.
