New Leader Proposed for Immigration Enforcement Agency After Years of Interim Heads
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has operated without a Senate-confirmed director for seven years, since 2017. That long-standing vacancy could soon end as President Donald Trump has nominated Lance Schroyer, a former Oklahoma state trooper, to take the helm.
Trump announced Schroyer’s nomination on Saturday, highlighting his 29 years of law enforcement experience and service as a U.S. Marine. The former president expressed strong support for Schroyer, stating he “LOVES the men and women of ICE” and possesses the ability to “DETAIN AND DEPORT Illegal Alien Criminals… at a rate never seen before.”
Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin also backed the nomination. Mullin, an Oklahoman like Schroyer, praised his operational experience, including running large-scale operations and working with state and federal partners to remove undocumented immigrants from Oklahoma through the 287g program. This initiative permits state and local law enforcement to carry out certain immigration actions under federal supervision.
Schroyer’s nomination will now proceed to Congress for a confirmation hearing. His lack of prior experience leading a federal agency is expected to face scrutiny from lawmakers. If confirmed, Schroyer would replace acting ICE Director David Venturella, who has been in the interim role since May.
The nomination comes as ICE faces significant scrutiny over its enforcement tactics. In January, an ICE operation in Minnesota led to the shooting death of Renee Nicole Good. Other incidents, including allegations of agents breaking into a home without a warrant and wrongfully detaining a U.S. citizen, have also drawn criticism.
The agency has also dealt with leadership changes. Venturella stepped in after Todd Lyons, another acting director, announced his departure in April, citing family reasons. Lyons’ exit followed intense scrutiny over ICE’s operations, including an agent’s arrest for allegedly making false reports after a shooting incident.
Globally, the agency’s practices are under review. At least 19 people have died in ICE custody this year. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights recently called for accountability for these deaths. Earlier this year, congressional Democrats pushed for reforms, including clear identification for agents and stronger protections against excessive force, before approving new funding for ICE.
Both Trump and Secretary Mullin have urged the Senate to confirm Schroyer quickly. Mullin emphasized the 11-year gap since the Department of Homeland Security last had a Senate-confirmed ICE director, hoping Schroyer’s appointment will bring permanent leadership to the agency.
