Madison Sheahan, who has been serving as the deputy director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has decided to step down from her position and pursue a new political journey. According to reliable sources within the federal law enforcement, Sheahan is setting her sights on a congressional seat in Ohio.

The internal announcement of her resignation was made earlier today. Sheahan is aiming to represent Ohio’s 9th Congressional District, which is currently held by Democratic Representative Marcy Kaptur. Notably, Kaptur has been in office since 1983 and holds the distinction of being the longest-serving woman in Congress. Despite a district that largely supported President Donald Trump in the 2024 elections, Kaptur managed to secure re-election.

Sheahan’s campaign is already in motion, with her website boldly stating, “No Excuses. Let’s Get It Done.” Her platform is centered on defending American jobs, paychecks, and values within Ohio’s 9th District. Sheahan expressed her motivation by stating, “For too long, Northwest Ohio has been represented by a career politician who has grown comfortable with the swamp and disconnected from the people back home.”

Sheahan’s campaign is also a testament to her support for former President Trump’s policies, as she pledges to ensure that Congress aligns with his agenda. She articulates a vision for Ohio that includes improved safety, affordability, and prosperity for its residents.

Recently, Sheahan was spotted at a press conference held on October 30, 2025, concerning “Operation Midway Blitz,” an immigration enforcement initiative, in Gary, Indiana. This event was captured by Leah Millis from Reuters, further illustrating Sheahan’s active involvement in immigration matters during her tenure at ICE.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement Thursday, “I’ve known her for years, she loves her family, Ohio and her country. She will be a great defender of freedom when she goes to Congress.” 

“Madison Sheahan is a work horse, strong executor, and terrific leader who led the men and women of ICE to achieve the American people’s mandate to target, arrest, and deport criminal illegal aliens. We wish her all the best,” Noem added.

In a statement Thursday to Fox News Digital, the Kaptur campaign said, “While Republicans from near and far will fight through a messy primary in this district they gerrymandered again just this fall, Congresswoman Kaptur is focused on delivering real results for her constituents.”

“She’s working to lower costs for working families, protect access to affordable health care, and bring transformative investments to Northwest Ohio. Voters are tired of the self-dealing corruption and culture of lawlessness they’ve seen over the last year. They want a leader focused on affordability and real results, and Marcy Kaptur consistently works across the aisle to deliver both,” her campaign added.

Sheahan’s campaign website describes her as, “a senior government executive and national leader in public administration, law enforcement, and political operations, most recently serving as Deputy Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 

ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan, along with Attorney General Pam Bondi (R) and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, participates in a press conference near Camp 57 at Angola Prison, the Louisiana State Penitentiary and America’s largest maximum-security prison farm, to announce the opening of a new US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility that will house immigrants convicted of crimes in West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana, near the town of St. Francisville on Sept. 3, 2025.  (Matthew Hinton/AFP via Getty Images)

“In this role, she led one of the nation’s largest federal law enforcement agencies, overseeing strategy and execution in support of border security, interior enforcement, and the rule of law,” the website said. “Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, Sheahan was entrusted with helping guide ICE through a period of historic transformation.”

“During her tenure, the agency expanded from roughly 20,000 employees and a $10 billion budget into an $85 billion organization of more than 30,000 professionals. Most notably, Sheahan managed the hiring of 12,000 new law enforcement officers within 180 days,” it also said.

A biography of Sheahan on ICE’s website said, “Prior to serving as ICE’s deputy director, Ms. Sheahan served as the Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, overseeing a $280 million budget and leading a team of over 800 employees across the wildlife, fisheries, and enforcement divisions.”

Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio, attends a news conference being conducted by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson in the Rayburn Room at the U.S. Capitol on Oct. 29, 2025 in Washington, D.C. Kaptur currently represents Ohio’s 9th Congressional District, which Sheahan is running for. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

“Prior to serving the State of Louisiana alongside Governor Landry, Ms. Sheahan worked for former South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem in various leadership positions,” it added.