Trump announced Schroyer’s nomination in June. Schroyer had no experience leading a law enforcement agency of any kind, but was a “good friend” of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who chairs the Senate Homeland Security Committee, has long feuded with Mullin and refrained from holding a hearing on Schroyer until the Trump administration provided more records on the ICE shootings of Americans Alex Pretti and Renee Good earlier this year in Minnesota. Although he blocked the advancement of Schroyer during a standoff for records, Paul did not express opposition to Schroyer becoming the director of ICE, according to his office.
While Schroyer lacked experience leading a major law enforcement agency, he had close ties to Mullin, even working as a senior adviser to the DHS boss. “Lance has over 29 YEARS of Law Enforcement experience in Oklahoma,” Trump said on Truth Social when he announced the nomination. “Lance is a former Oklahoma State Trooper, and United States Marine. He is a PATRIOT with real operational experience, and proven leader.” Trump added: “Importantly, Lance Schroyer has what it takes to DETAIN AND DEPORT Illegal Alien Criminals.”
ICE has been led by acting director David Venturella since June. His predecessor, Todd Lyons, stepped down, claiming he wanted to spend more time with his family. Lyons had been on the opposite side of a rift with Border Patrol commander-at-large Greg Bovino and former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem over how aggressive to be with immigration enforcement. Lyons wanted to prioritize illegal immigrants with bad rap sheets, whereas Bovino wanted a far broader effort. The former ICE boss had the backing of border czar Tom Homan, and ultimately both Bovino and Noem were pushed out.
Meanwhile, Mullin has come under fire from his right flank for not being more aggressive with deportations. Mullin reportedly collaborated with White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller on the selection of Schroyer to lead ICE. Miller, an immigration hardliner, has been widely seen as one of the driving forces behind the president’s deportation agenda. The DHS boss had stressed his desire to pick someone who could clear the Senate. Schroyer previously worked on Mullin’s security team.
ICE has lacked a Senate-confirmed director since former President Barack Obama’s time in the White House. The White House and Department of Homeland Security were contacted for comment.