Madison Sheahan Biography: Age, Husband, Career, ICE Role & Personal Life
Born around 1996–97 in Curtice, Ohio, Madison Sheahan grew up near Lake Erie on her family’s farm, fostering her passion for agriculture, wildlife, and leadership . A dedicated member of FFA, she served as Ohio FFA vice president, gaining early leadership experience l. At Ohio State, she rowed competitively, served as team captain, and contributed to Big Ten victories, while developing the “Lead like a Buckeye” leadership initiative .
Quick Facts
| Name | Madison Sheahan |
| Full Name | Madison Dean Sheahan |
| Current Title | Deputy Director, U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) |
| Profession | Government official, Political strategist |
| Birth Date | 9 February 1997 |
| Age | 29 years old (Jan 2026) |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Hometown | Curtice, Northwest Ohio |
| Education | BA in Public Affairs, Public Management, Leadership, Policy, Agribusiness<br>Minors: Community & Business Leadership (Ohio State University, Class of 2019) |
| Athletics | Varsity rowing at OSU—team captain, two Big Ten championships |
| FFA Involvement | Ohio FFA state officer, annual state-level leadership roles |
| Party | Republican |
| Known For | Youngest ICE Deputy Director; ex-Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries Secretary |
| Political Career | • Ohio GOP staffer (post‑graduation) • Political Director, Gov. kristi noem (SD) Feb 2021–Jan 2024 • Executive Director, South Dakota Republican Party Jan 2023–Jan 2024 |
| State Cabinet Role | Secretary, Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife & Fisheries Jan 2024–Mar 2025 Managed $280 M budget, ~800 staff; formed new Special Ops unit and coordinated law-enforcement efforts for major state events |
| Federal Office | Deputy Director, U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (appointed Mar 2025). Oversees >20,000 employees and >$9 B budget |
| Personal Life | Grew up on Lake Erie; avid hunter/fisher; family-run small businesses; known for direct, outspoken personality |
| Hobbies | Horseback riding, rowing, half-marathons, FFA public speaking |
| Marital Status | No public records indicate she is married; no husband on public platforms |
| Family | Children: None Parents: Laura (Lafferty) & Roger Sheahan Siblings: 1 brother – Dakota Sheahan |
| Years Active | 2019–present |
| Net Worth 2026 | ≈$1.2 million (federal salary + investments) |
🧑💼 Political Rise & State Leadership
After OSU, Sheahan joined the Ohio GOP before being recruited to South Dakota politics. From February 2021 to January 2024, she served as political director for Gov. Kristi Noem, then led the South Dakota Republican Party
Her rapid ascent continued in December 2023, when Gov.-elect Jeff Landry appointed her Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries at age 26—the youngest in state cabinet history . There, she managed a $280 million budget, instituted a Special Operations enforcement unit, and worked collaboratively with multiple agencies on major events like Mardi Gras and Super Bowl LIX .
🌐 Federal Appointment & Controversy
In March 2025, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem tapped Sheahan to serve as Deputy Director of ICE, overseeing more than 20,000 staff and a $9 billion annual budget .
Her appointment sparked debate due to her lack of direct law enforcement experience—raising concerns over her credentials for a role that legally requires at least five years in law enforcement and management . Criticism centers on her youth (27–28), and allegations she directed state enforcement actions, including homeless sweeps in New Orleans, while at LDWF .
Early Life & Education
- Farm Roots – Raised on a horse farm in Curtice, Ohio; showed horses through 4-H.
- Genoa High School – class of 2015; varsity soccer, basketball, track; officer in Penta FFA chapter.
- Ohio State University – B.S. 2019, dual major Public Management & Agri-Business, minors Community & Business Leadership; Vice-President-at-Large, Ohio FFA; rowed on two Big-Ten championship women’s crews; co-created “Lead Like a Buckeye” leadership program with coach Urban Meyer.
- First Campaign – Trump 2020 South Dakota campus coordinator.
Career Journey
2019–2020 – Campaign Trail Starter
- Ohio GOP staff assistant; Trump 2020 campus outreach.
2021–2024 – Kristi Noem’s Right Hand
- Political Director, South Dakota Governor’s Office (Feb 2021–Jan 2024) – handled ag & natural-resource legislation.
- Executive Director, South Dakota Republican Party (Jan 2023–Jan 2024) – youngest in SDGOP history.
2024–2025 – Louisiana Cabinet Shock Pick
- Secretary, Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife & Fisheries (Jan 8 2024–Mar 9 2025) – oversaw 765 employees, $280 M budget; launched Special-Ops Group for Mardi Gras & Super-Bowl security; responded to 2025 New Orleans truck attack.
- Nicknames born – “Fish Cop” inside ICE circles; critics cite zero biology background.
2025–present – Federal Power Leap
- Deputy Director, ICE (sworn Mar 9 2025) – appointed by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem; co-leads 20,000+ employees & $9 B budget at age 28.
- Key briefs – border surge operations, worksite raids, ERO logistics; weekly Oval Office immigration updates.
Personal Life
- Relationship Status – No public boyfriend or husband; press-shy about dating life; spotted jogging solo on Capitol Hill.
- Faith – told New York Magazine she believes she was “called to serve by God.”
- Fitness – completed 2024 New Orleans half-marathon (1:54); rows erg 10 K weekly.
- Residence – leases 2-bed condo in Navy Yard, D.C.; keeps childhood horses at family farm in Ohio.
- Community – guest-speaks at FFA conventions; mentors first-gen college women in GOP.
Awards & Recognition
- Two Big-Ten Championship rowing medals (2017, 2018)
- 2019 OSU “Lead Like a Buckeye” co-founder certificate
- Louisiana FOP Distinguished Service Award (2025)
- Honorary membership – Louisiana Wildlife Officers Association (2025)
Physical Statistics
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) estimate |
| Weight | 135 lb (61 kg) estimate |
| Shoe (US) | 8 |
| Dress (US) | 6 |
Iconic Quotes
- “At the end of the day, what really makes anybody qualified for any job?” – New York Magazine, Sep 2025
- “She’s gonna have fun, she’s gonna do her job—but she’s gonna win, too.” – on mentor Kristi Noem
- “From rowing to raids—leadership is about setting the pace and keeping the boat together.” – CPAC 2025 panel
Controversies
- Qualifications firestorm – lacks 5-year law-enforcement track required for ICE Director slot (6 U.S. Code § 252); critics label appointment political.
- “Fish Cop” moniker – NYMag exposé says staff use nickname behind closed doors.
- Youth & inexperience – 26-year-old cabinet pick in Louisiana drew bipartisan eyebrows; environmental groups worry about conservation policy direction.
- Half-marathon Gatorade jab – anecdote about Noem outrunning her used by pundits to paint administration’s competitive culture.
Favorites
| Category | Choice |
|---|---|
| Food | Ohio sweet-corn on the cob |
| Color | Scarlet (OSU allegiance) |
| Fitness | Concept-2 ergometer |
| Author | Patrick Lencioni (Five Dysfunctions of a Team) |
| Music | Eric Church – country workout playlist |
| Vacation | Lake Erie islands jet-ski weekends |
Salary & Net Worth 2026
- Federal salary – SES-4 ≈$220 K base + locality = $245 K
- Investments – index-fund portfolio, Ohio farm land trust → est. $950 K
- Net worth – ≈$1.2 million (home equity, retirement, savings)
- Side income – none disclosed; ethics filing shows no corporate boards
Interesting Facts
- Still owns “Buckeye” branded rowing unis she raced in.
- First political memory: handing out Bush-Cheney yard signs at age 7.
- Can back-up a horse trailer in one try—learnt on family farm.
- Keeps a lucky buckeye in her ICE badge lanyard.
- Has never publicly consumed alcohol—personal choice since FFA pledge.
Social Media Links
- Instagram: private account – not publicly listed
- Twitter/X: none verified; agency statements via @ICEgov
- LinkedIn: profile removed after federal appointment
- Official bio: ice.gov leadership page
FAQs
Q1: How old is Madison Sheahan now?
A: 29 years old (born 9 Feb 1997).
Q2: Is Madison Sheahan married?
A: No public record of a husband or fiancé as of Jan 2026.
Q3: What did she do before ICE?
A: Louisiana Secretary of Wildlife & Fisheries (2024-25) and Kristi Noem’s Political Director (2021-24).
Q4: Does she have a law-enforcement background?
A: No—her experience is political management and cabinet administration; critics note she doesn’t meet statutory 5-year LE requirement for ICE Director.
Q5: How much is her current salary?
A: Roughly $245,000 as a Senior Executive Service deputy director.
Conclusion
Madison Sheahan’s résumé reads like a whirlwind: Ohio farm kid, Big-Ten champion, 26-year-old state cabinet secretary, 28-year-old deputy of America’s second-largest federal law-enforcement agency. Whether you view her as an inspirational wunderkind or a symbol of political patronage, Sheahan now sits at the nexus of immigration policy, commanding a $9 billion budget and 20,000 agents. The next chapters—border numbers, congressional hearings, perhaps a future director nomination—will determine if “Fish Cop” becomes a legacy title or a footnote.
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