Dave Venturella, an advisor at ICE, is expected to take on the role of acting director, according to sources.

Venturella Expected to Lead ICE Amid Controversy

A seasoned immigration official, known for his connections to the detention industry, is anticipated to be appointed acting director of ICE. This change is likely to attract increased scrutiny from Democrats concerning his previous affiliations with a private prison company, just as Republicans aim to boost funding and deportation initiatives.

Sources indicate that David Venturella is poised to take over from the current acting ICE director, Todd Lyons, who is set to resign next week. Venturella served as a senior ICE adviser during the Trump administration and is said to hold a significant role in the division overseeing detention center contracts, although ICE claims he does not engage in the contract approval process.

He was brought on board with Tom Homan’s endorsement following Trump’s election.

Venturella’s background includes over a decade at the GEO Group, a private prison firm that operates facilities for ICE. The company faces criticism, including allegations of abuse and inadequate care in its detention centers.

During his tenure at GEO, which lasted from 2012 to 2023, Venturella reportedly earned millions and continued as a paid consultant until early 2025.

In his career prior to GEO, Venturella worked at the former INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service), where he held roles as Acting Director and Deputy Director within ICE’s Office of Detention and Transfer Services.

He is reportedly well-regarded within ICE, with some officials stating he supports the agency’s mission and plans for mass deportations. Despite this, he has reservations about certain policies, such as the immigration patrol strategies implemented during Kristi Noem’s term as Homeland Security Secretary.

As Republicans pursue a substantial budget increase to fund ICE and CBP—around $70 billion—Democrats are expected to raise concerns about Venturella’s history at GEO, particularly given the company’s controversial practices. Questions may also arise regarding any past financial ties that could suggest potential conflicts, given Venturella’s senior role managing contracts that could involve former employers. However, ICE maintains that he is no longer affiliated with GEO and has severed any financial connections.