WASHINGTON, Feb. 28 – A top United States Department of Homeland Security official in charge of deportations has stepped down in the aftermath of a flap over the release of Caribbean and other detainees.
Gary Mead’s departure comes after the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency on Monday released hundreds of immigrants from jails and detention centers across the country.
ICE said the move comes as automatic US federal budget cuts loom on March 1. While Mead sent a resignation email to his staff, ICE officials insisted his exodus was not linked to the mass release of immigrants who the government says are not a priority for deportation.
“US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director of Enforcement and Removal Operations Gary Mead announced several weeks ago to ICE senior leadership that he planned to retire after 40 years in federal service and 6 years at ICE,” said spokesperson Gillian Christensen.
“As planned, and as shared with ICE staff weeks ago, Mr. Mead will retire at the end of April,” she added. (CMC)
