Immigration enforcement director resigning after 4 years on the job

WASHINGTON – The head of Homeland Security's immigration enforcement agency is leaving his job after more than four years.

John Morton, director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, says in a note sent to ICE employees Monday that he's leaving his job at the end of July and to take a position at a private company. He did not identify the company.

Morton, who has previously worked for the Justice Department, was confirmed by the Senate in May 2009. In his note to ICE employees, Morton thanked them for their work.

During his tenure, the Obama administration has boasted deporting nearly 400,000 people annually. ICE is also responsible for enforcing federal customs laws.