President Donald Trump announced the nomination of Lance Schroyer, a former Oklahoma state trooper, as the new director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Trump shared the news on his Truth Social platform, describing Schroyer as a former U.S. Marine and a ‘PATRIOT with real operational experience.’ He emphasized Schroyer’s leadership and extensive experience in law enforcement.
Schroyer comes from the same state as the newly appointed Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, a former congressman. Earlier in the month, Mullin introduced Schroyer at a National Sheriffs’ Association event, referring to him as a ‘good friend’ and highlighting Schroyer’s recent hiring by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Mullin praised Schroyer’s 29-year law enforcement career and his collaborative efforts with federal and state agencies. He expressed confidence in Schroyer’s ability to lead ICE in enforcing immigration laws and ensuring national security. Mullin stated, ‘President Trump made a great pick.’
If confirmed, Schroyer would assume leadership of ICE during a period of heightened public criticism over the agency’s immigration enforcement tactics. Trump’s policies have increased ICE’s role in executing mass deportations, leading to tensions and protests in various cities. The administration’s focus has resulted in a $75 billion funding boost for ICE, facilitating the hiring of 12,000 officers and expanding detention capacity.
Mullin, who assumed his DHS role in March, aims to distance the department from controversies while aligning with Trump’s mass deportation goals. Despite ICE’s controversial image, Claire Trickler-McNulty, a former senior ICE official, noted that Schroyer’s state and local law enforcement background might aid his Senate confirmation process.
John Torres, another former senior ICE official, said that Schroyer’s state-level experience lacks the political associations typical of federal appointments, which might benefit him in gaining Senate approval. Schroyer’s nomination follows the resignation of Todd Lyons as the ICE director at the end of May. David Venturella, previously an executive with a private prison company, currently serves as the acting director until Schroyer’s confirmation. ICE has not seen a Senate-confirmed director since the Obama administration, attributed to the division surrounding ICE and immigration policies.
Associated Press writers Elliot Spagat and Rebecca Santana contributed to this report.