Trump Taps Ex-Trooper Lance Schroyer to Lead Immigration Enforcement
US President Donald Trump has nominated Lance Schroyer, a former Oklahoma state trooper, to serve as the next director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The announcement was made on Saturday via Trump's Truth Social platform.
Trump described Schroyer as "a PATRIOT with real operational experience, and proven leader with DECADES of experience locking up the worst of the worst." The nomination follows the resignation of former ICE director Todd Lyons at the end of May. Since then, David Venturella, a former executive at a private prison operator, has been serving as acting head of the agency.
Schroyer's nomination comes as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under Secretary Markwayne Mullin seeks to balance enforcement priorities with a promise of a lower public profile. Mullin, also from Oklahoma and a former congressman, has indicated a softer tone on immigration while aligning with the president's mass deportation agenda.
In a post on X, Mullin praised Schroyer, 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."
ICE is responsible for enforcing federal immigration laws, including detention and removal of undocumented individuals. The agency has been a central part of Trump's immigration policies, which have sparked debate over enforcement methods and human rights.
The nomination requires Senate confirmation. If confirmed, Schroyer would take over an agency that has faced criticism for its practices and has been at the centre of political controversy regarding border security and immigration reform.
Schroyer's background as a state trooper rather than a federal immigration official marks a departure from some previous appointees. Supporters argue his law enforcement experience is relevant, while critics question his familiarity with immigration law and agency operations.
