President Donald Trump has announced the nomination of Lance Schroyer, a former Oklahoma state trooper, as the new director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social platform, describing Schroyer as a former U.S. Marine with significant operational experience. Trump emphasized Schroyer’s leadership abilities, stating that he has extensive experience dealing with serious offenders.
Schroyer shares his home state with the current Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin, a former congressman. Mullin recently introduced Schroyer at a National Sheriffs’ Association event, acknowledging him as a close friend and highlighting his recruitment by DHS.
Mullin praised Schroyer’s 29-year career and his collaboration with federal and state partners on U.S. immigration enforcement efforts. Mullin expressed confidence in Schroyer’s capacity to lead ICE effectively, ensuring the deportation of criminally convicted illegal immigrants and securing the nation.
The nomination arrives at a time when Trump’s immigration policies have been met with public dissatisfaction, particularly over federal immigration officers’ presence in cities. The policies have led to heightened tensions, including protests and fatal incidents.
Trump’s administration has focused on mass deportations, with ICE playing a crucial role. The agency’s growth has been fueled by an injection of $75 billion last year, facilitating the hiring of 12,000 officers and increasing detention facilities.
Mullin, who assumed his position in March, intends to maintain a lower profile for his department while aligning with Trump’s immigration objectives.
Claire Trickler-McNulty, a former senior ICE official, noted that previous ICE directors often possessed legal backgrounds, but some have also come from law enforcement roles. Trickler-McNulty suggested that Mullin likely influenced Schroyer’s nomination due to their shared background.
John Torres, another senior ICE official, mentioned that although Schroyer might face challenges in Senate confirmation, his state and local experience could be advantageous. Schroyer’s lack of affiliation with previous administrations might help mitigate political scrutiny.
The nomination follows the resignation of former ICE director Todd Lyons in May. David Venturella, formerly with a private prison company, has been the acting director since then and will continue until Schroyer is confirmed by the Senate, according to a DHS official.
ICE has not had a Senate-confirmed director since the Obama administration, largely due to divisive politics surrounding the agency and immigration policies.
Associated Press writers Elliot Spagat and Rebecca Santana contributed to this report.
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