President Donald Trump announced the nomination of Lance Schroyer, a former Oklahoma state trooper, to lead Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Trump shared this decision on his Truth Social platform, praising Schroyer as a former U.S. Marine with significant operational experience. Trump described him as a ‘proven leader with decades of experience.’
Schroyer shares his home state with the new Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Markwayne Mullin. A former congressman, Mullin recently highlighted Schroyer’s qualifications at a National Sheriffs’ Association event, labeling him as a ‘good friend’ and noting Schroyer’s recent hire by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Mullin commended Schroyer’s 29-year career, emphasizing his collaboration with federal and state partners on U.S. immigration enforcement programs. ‘President Trump made a great pick, and I am confident that Lance’s strong leadership will empower ICE to deport criminal illegal aliens, secure the homeland, and protect the American people,’ Mullin stated.
If confirmed, Schroyer will assume leadership of ICE during a period of heightened tension surrounding Trump’s immigration policies. These policies include increased deployment of immigration officers throughout American cities, which has resulted in disputes and even fatal incidents.
ICE continues to expand following a substantial $75 billion funding boost last year, facilitating the hiring of an additional 12,000 officers and expanding detention facilities. Mullin has expressed intentions to adopt a softer tone on immigration while staying aligned with the president’s deportation priorities.
Claire Trickler-McNulty, a former senior ICE official, noted the influence Mullin likely had on Schroyer’s nomination, considering the agency’s focus under the current administration. Trickler-McNulty mentioned that past ICE directors often had legal or law enforcement backgrounds.
According to John Torres, a senior ICE official, Schroyer could encounter challenges during Senate confirmation; however, his background at the state and local levels might play in his favor. ‘He won’t have any administrative baggage from past federal roles,’ Torres explained.
Schroyer’s nomination follows the resignation of former ICE director Todd Lyons in May. David Venturella, an ex-executive at a private prison operator, currently serves as the acting director. He will remain in this role until Schroyer secures Senate confirmation, as confirmed by an anonymous DHS source.
ICE has yet to have a Senate-confirmed director since the Obama administration, due to polarizing immigration politics.
Associated Press writers Elliot Spagat and Rebecca Santana contributed to this report.