President Donald Trump said Saturday he will nominate Lance Schroyer, a former Oklahoma state trooper and Marine veteran, to serve as director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), marking a notable leadership pick for the agency at the center of the administration’s immigration enforcement agenda.
The announcement places Schroyer in line to lead ICE, a 22,000-employee federal agency operating under the Department of Homeland Security, pending Senate confirmation. The position has remained without a Senate-confirmed director since the Obama administration era, according to officials.
Nomination
Trump announced the decision on Truth Social, describing Schroyer as a “proven leader” with nearly three decades of law enforcement experience. The president urged the Senate to move quickly on his confirmation.
Schroyer is currently serving as a senior adviser to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, where he has been involved in coordination efforts between federal immigration authorities and local law enforcement agencies, according to DHS statements.
Officials said the nomination came as a surprise to some within ICE, as Schroyer is not a longtime federal immigration official.
Background
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Schroyer previously served as a major in the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety’s Emergency Services Unit. In that role, he oversaw specialized teams involved in disaster response, civil disturbance operations, and immigration-related enforcement coordination.
He is also a former U.S. Marine, and his background includes more than 29 years of combined military and law enforcement experience, according to administration statements.
Role
If confirmed by the Senate, Schroyer would take over leadership of ICE, which is responsible for enforcing immigration laws, including detention and deportation operations.
The agency operates with a broad mandate and a multibillion-dollar budget, and its leadership role includes oversight of enforcement priorities, field operations, and coordination with federal, state, and local partners.
A summary of the role responsibilities is outlined below:
| Area of Responsibility | Description |
|---|---|
| Enforcement operations | Immigration arrests and deportation actions |
| Field coordination | Cooperation with local law enforcement agencies |
| Detention oversight | Management of detention facilities and standards |
| Policy implementation | Execution of DHS immigration directives |
Support
Trump and DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin both publicly supported the nomination. Trump emphasized Schroyer’s operational experience and alignment with the administration’s immigration enforcement goals.
Mullin described Schroyer as someone with “firsthand experience” working alongside federal and local agencies, referencing participation in the 287(g) program, which allows state and local officers to assist in immigration enforcement under federal supervision.
Context
ICE has been a central agency in the administration’s immigration enforcement strategy, particularly amid increased deportation efforts and heightened political debate over border security.
The agency has faced scrutiny in recent years over enforcement actions, leadership turnover, and incidents involving federal operations. Prior acting leadership changes have reflected ongoing internal and political pressures surrounding immigration policy.
Officials noted that the agency has continued operations under acting leadership while awaiting a Senate-confirmed director.
Transition
David Venturella, currently serving as acting ICE director, is expected to remain in the position until a confirmed replacement is in place. DHS officials indicated that continuity of operations will remain a priority during the transition period.
Past leadership transitions within DHS agencies have often involved interim officials maintaining operational stability while nominations proceed through the Senate confirmation process.
Outlook
Schroyer’s nomination now moves to the Senate, where confirmation hearings will determine whether he assumes leadership of the agency. The timeline for confirmation has not yet been set.
If confirmed, he would be responsible for guiding ICE through ongoing immigration enforcement operations and policy implementation under the current administration.
The nomination of Lance Schroyer marks a significant leadership decision for ICE as the agency continues to play a central role in federal immigration enforcement. With Senate confirmation pending, attention will now turn to how his background in state law enforcement and advisory roles translates to leadership of a major federal agency.
FAQs
Who is Lance Schroyer?
He is a former Oklahoma state trooper and Marine veteran nominated to lead ICE.
What is ICE?
ICE is a federal agency under DHS responsible for immigration enforcement and deportations.
Has he been confirmed yet?
No, he must first be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
What is his background?
He has nearly 29 years of military and law enforcement experience, including roles in Oklahoma DPS.
Who is currently leading ICE?
David Venturella is serving as acting director until a confirmed leader is appointed.
