Saldaña retires as director of ICE

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Sarah R. Saldaña recently announced her retirement from the federal government.

ICE, along with employees from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), joined Director Saldaña’s family at a retirement ceremony held last week in Washington, D.C.

“I’ve been on the southwest border and have seen ICE professionals handle very difficult situations very well,” DHS Acting Deputy Russell C. Deyo, who served as a guest speaker at the ceremony, said. “That is a reflection on your fine leadership. It’s been a pleasure to work with you.”

Saldaña said her retirement plans included staying involved with ICE’s mission, working on a foundation in her son’s name to provide needy families with financial assistance, and joining the board of her church in Dallas, Texas.

Saldaña is the fourth director of ICE, having served since Dec. 2014. As director, Saldaña led the largest investigative agency within the DHS and was the first Latina to serve in that position.

“Obviously, I’m not the person who did the work,” Saldaña said. “We often credit the Director as opposed to the workforce and I’m here to say that is not the most appropriate focus. The focus should be on the men and women of ICE who do all that they do.”