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Senators challenged Ron Vitiello in December over the death of a trans migrant in ICE's care. His nomination is now withdrawn.Â
UPDATE (April, 10th): The acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Ron Vitiello, has now resigned.
His decision comes just days after his nomination to takeover the post was pulled by President Donald Trump.
Outgoing Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielson announced the news on Wednesday through a statement, stating, "[Vitiello] has left a legacy of excellence as our Department has expanded and refined our efforts to curb illegal immigration and secure our borders."
His departure comes as the department continues to see many high-profile officials resigning in what appears to be a restructuring of the agency.
News of his departure also arrives the same day as ICE released the official autopsy report of Roxsana Hernandez who they continue to say died from natural causes -- not abuse.
This is developing...
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President Trump has withdrawn the nomination of Ron Vitiello, a longtime border official, to direct U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcmeent, according to NBC News.
Vitiello came under heavy fire for the treatment of LGBTQ refugees under the care of ICE. In December, three U.S. senators sent Vitiello a letter demanding answers about the May death of HIV-positive trans refugee Roxsana Hernandez.
"Reports suggest that while she was held at the San Ysidro Port of Entry, Ms. Hernandez endured freezing temperatures and was denied adequate food, water, and medical care," the letter reads.
"During her transport between facilities by ICE, she vomited to the extent other detainees begged authorities to provide her with water and proper medical care."
An autopsy released by the Transgender Law Study revealed Hernandez had been shackled and likely beaten with a police baton. The official cause of death for Hernadez was listed as dehydration and complications with HIV.
Vitiello was named acting director for ICE in June 30, and was nominated to lead the agency permanently in August.
One of the writers of that letter, California Sen. And Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, intensely cross-examined Vitiello over abuse of pregnant woman in the agency's care.
As acting director of the controversial agency, he made hateful tweets comparing the Democratic Party to the Klu Klux Klan. Congressional testimony, he has refused to rule our reinstituting child separation policies at the border.
Sources told NBC News the decision by Trump to withdraw Vitiello's nomination was completely unexpected. He sent a document to Congressional leaders Thursday evening informing them of his decision.
Vitello had been expected to travel with Trump to California on Friday to help with fundraising. He will no longer be in attendance.
