Here’s what Trump has picked.
President Donald Trump announced Saturday that he has nominated veteran law enforcement officer Lance Schroyer to become the next director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), calling him a proven leader who will help carry out the administration’s aggressive border security agenda.
The nomination represents another major step in Trump’s effort to strengthen immigration enforcement during his second term as illegal immigration and public safety remain top priorities for many American voters.
Trump Praises Schroyer’s Law Enforcement Experience
In a post on Truth Social, Trump highlighted Schroyer’s nearly three decades of law enforcement service in Oklahoma, describing him as a dedicated public servant with extensive operational experience.
According to the president, Schroyer served as both an Oklahoma State Trooper and a United States Marine before working closely with ICE through the federal 287(g) program. That initiative allows state and local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal immigration authorities in identifying and removing individuals who are in the country illegally.
Trump said Schroyer’s background gives him firsthand knowledge of immigration enforcement and the challenges facing officers on the front lines.
The president also praised Schroyer’s leadership abilities, saying he has the experience needed to lead one of the nation’s most important law enforcement agencies.
Senate Confirmation Now Becomes the Focus
Trump urged the U.S. Senate to move quickly on Schroyer’s confirmation, arguing that the administration should not face delays in filling one of its top homeland security positions.
If confirmed, Schroyer would work alongside Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin as the administration continues expanding immigration enforcement efforts, increasing cooperation with local law enforcement agencies, and prioritizing the removal of illegal immigrants with serious criminal records.
Trump also pointed to what he described as record-breaking immigration enforcement under his administration, saying ICE and Customs and Border Protection have achieved historically high daily arrest totals.
The president concluded his announcement by calling on lawmakers to confirm Schroyer without delay as his administration continues pursuing its “Make America Safe Again” agenda.
Leadership Change at ICE
Schroyer’s nomination follows the departure of Todd Lyons, who resigned as acting ICE director at the end of May. Lyons assumed the position early in President Trump’s second term after Caleb Vitello was reassigned.
The leadership transition comes as the administration continues placing immigration enforcement and border security at the center of its domestic policy agenda.
What’s Next?
Schroyer’s nomination now heads to the Senate, where lawmakers will decide whether to confirm him as the permanent director of ICE.
With immigration expected to remain one of the defining issues of the 2026 midterm elections, the confirmation process is likely to receive significant national attention. Supporters argue that experienced law enforcement leadership is essential to securing the border and enforcing existing immigration laws, while critics are expected to closely examine the administration’s broader enforcement policies.
The Senate’s decision will help shape the future direction of ICE as the Trump administration continues implementing its immigration priorities across the country.