U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated former Oklahoma state police officer Lance Schroyer to lead Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Schroyer has 29 years of law enforcement experience and a background in the U.S. Marine Corps.
In a statement on his Truth Social platform, Trump said Schroyer, like himself and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, has deep affection for ICE personnel. "Lance Schroyer has the capacity to detain and deport illegal immigrant criminals convicted of crimes such as murder, rape, and drug trafficking at an unprecedented speed," he said.
Mullin emphasized that Schroyer conducted large-scale operations with state and federal partners under the "287g program" in Oklahoma. That program allows state and local law enforcement to exercise certain immigration enforcement authorities under ICE oversight.
Senate confirmation and acting leadership period
Schroyer's appointment requires Senate confirmation. If confirmed, he will replace David Venturella, who is currently serving in an acting capacity and whose career dates back to the 1980s.
Venturella has been serving temporarily since May after Todd Lyons resigned in April, citing a desire to spend more time with his family. Lyons' departure came at a time when ICE was accused of excessive force and civil liberties violations.
Controversies surrounding ICE
The killing of protester Renee Nicole Good during the "Metro Raid Operation" in Minnesota in January drew widespread condemnation. In the same state, federal immigration agents were alleged to have entered a home without a warrant and took U.S. citizen ChongLy Scott Thao outside in his pajamas in the snow.
Additionally, an ICE agent was arrested after Minneapolis prosecutors accused him of lying after fatally shooting Venezuelan immigrant Julio Sosa-Celis. Lyons acknowledged that the agent made "false statements" and launched an investigation.
At least 19 people have died in ICE custody this year. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called on authorities to hold those responsible for these deaths accountable in a statement on Friday.
Funding crisis and reform demands in Congress
Democrats blocked funding for ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for months, demanding that immigration agents clearly display their identities, establish standards against excessive force, be subject to oversight, and end racial profiling. The prolonged budget crisis was only resolved in a party-line vote on June 9.
Institutional history and Trump's call
Mullin noted that ICE has not had a Senate-confirmed director in 11 years. The last confirmed director was Sarah Saldaña, appointed by President Barack Obama, whose term ended in 2017. During the Trump administration, the agency was only led by acting directors.
In his social media post, Trump called for the process to be expedited, saying, "The Senate must confirm Lance immediately – no delays. Together we will make America safe again."
