Favoring humanitarian concerns, not a fit...

Acting ICE chief announces retirement following clashes with Trump officials

White House officials had accused Albence of favoring humanitarian concerns about the treatment of immigrants over the chance to take more aggressive action.

By MAX COHEN

The acting chief of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Matthew Albence, is leaving the government.

A career law enforcement officer who filled a number of positions within the Department of Homeland Security agency, Albence recently sparred with White House officials over how to handle ICE’s mission amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Trump officials accused Albence of favoring humanitarian concerns about the treatment of immigrants over the chance to take more aggressive action, POLITICO reported in March. Albence’s decision to halt most ICE enforcement efforts put him on thin ice with White House officials, a conflict that was part of a broader dispute between Albence and administration leaders.

POLITICO reported in May that Albence had angered White House officials when he refused to install a number of political appointees at his agency.

Following Ronald Vitiello’s departure as acting ICE director in April 2019, Albence assumed his role until Mark Morgan was appointed to lead the agency. Albence again was selected to serve as acting ICE chief when Morgan shifted roles to lead Customs and Border Protection.

Albence announced his retirement in a statement issued Friday morning and said he would work to transition out from his role in August.

“I am honored and beyond grateful to have served with the most dedicated men and women in law enforcement,” Albence said in a statement. “Every day, against incredible odds, constant politicization, and misperceptions of the incredibly critical and complex mission they perform, ICE employees carry on with professionalism and integrity.”

Albence has worked in immigration law enforcement since 1994, according to his ICE biographical page.