Trump Nominates Veteran Law Enforcement Officer to Lead ICE Amid Controversy
A new chapter may be on the horizon for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with President Trump’s recent nomination. Lance Schroyer, a seasoned former Oklahoma state trooper and Marine veteran, has been put forward to take the helm of the agency.
Schroyer’s nomination comes after a period of intense scrutiny over ICE’s immigration practices. This follows the resignation of Todd Lyons, the acting director, which left David Venturella, a seasoned ICE official, temporarily in charge since June. For more details on Lyons’ resignation, click here.
On the Truth Social platform, President Trump hailed Schroyer as a “PATRIOT with real operational experience, and proven leader with DECADES of experience locking up the worst of the worst.” He further emphasized Schroyer’s devotion to the agency, saying, “He LOVES the men and women of ICE.”
Should Schroyer be confirmed, he is expected to collaborate closely with Secretary Markwayne Mullin of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), also from Oklahoma. Mullin, who has been overseeing ICE, lauded Schroyer’s nomination on X, stating, “With over 29 years of law enforcement experience, Lance will play a vital role in helping deliver on the President’s mandate from the American people to target, arrest, and deport illegal aliens.” More on Mullin’s statement can be found here.
Schroyer is currently serving as Mullin’s senior adviser, coordinating immigration enforcement as per the DHS. Mullin, echoing Trump’s sentiments, is pushing for a swift Senate confirmation, noting that ICE has not had a Senate-confirmed director since the Obama administration.
The agency’s future direction under Schroyer’s potential leadership remains a topic of interest, as ICE continues to be a focal point in ongoing discussions about U.S. immigration policy.
A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent is seen in Park Ridge, Ill., Sept. 19, 2025.
Erin Hooley/AP
