ICE Shake-Up: Top Officials Reassigned Amid Pressure for Increased Immigration Arrests

Two top U.S. ICE officials have been reassigned to boost immigrant arrests. Amid pressure from President Trump for increased deportations, ICE's enforcement efforts varied due to full detention centers. Acting Director Caleb Vitello faces ongoing challenges, with high-profile officials emphasizing accountability and effective leadership within the agency.

In an administrative shift within the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), two high-ranking officials have been reassigned amid growing pressure to significantly increase arrests of undocumented immigrants in the United States, according to informed sources.

Russell Hott and Peter Berg, both senior figures in ICE's enforcement division, were reassigned in a notice circulated to staff on Tuesday. This move comes in response to ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to amplify deportation rates, following a campaign promise to enhance immigration control after what they describe as a period of lax enforcement under previous President Joe Biden. This policy shift was supported by executive orders designed to streamline arrest procedures while leveraging other federal resources to bolster ICE operations.

Despite an initial surge in arrests to as many as 1,200 per day in late January, efforts subsequently declined due to packed detention facilities and the redeployment of additional enforcement units, according to several sources. Acting ICE Director Caleb Vitello continues to face pressure to escalate operational results, with Homeland Security representatives calling for a 'culture of accountability' within ICE.

(With inputs from agencies.)