Trump Nominates New ICE Director Amid Controversy
Daily Monitor
September 17, 2026
Trump Nominates New ICE Director Amid Controversy
Donald Trump has nominated Lance Schroyer, a former police officer and Marine veteran, as the new head of the controversial Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency.
In a move that underscores his hardline stance on immigration, former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the nomination of Lance Schroyer as the new director of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. Schroyer, a former police officer from Oklahoma and Marine Corps veteran, was described by Trump as a patriot with ‘decades of experience in detaining the worst criminals.’ The announcement was made via Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social, where he expressed his ‘great pleasure’ in nominating Schroyer for the role.
Schroyer is currently serving as an advisor to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, who has publicly endorsed the nomination. Mullin stated that Schroyer would play a pivotal role in advancing Trump’s agenda to target, detain, and deport irregular migrants. This nomination comes at a critical juncture for ICE, an agency that has been at the center of fierce debates over immigration policy in the United States. Critics have long accused ICE of employing excessively harsh methods in its enforcement practices, including controversial detentions and deportations.
The position of ICE director has been plagued by instability in recent years. Since 2017, no director has been confirmed by the Senate, with all appointments being made on an acting basis. Schroyer is set to succeed Todd Lyons, who held the role temporarily after being appointed by Trump in March 2025. Lyons stepped down in May 2026, shortly after the dismissal of former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who faced backlash following a deadly incident involving federal agents in Minneapolis.
The nomination of Schroyer is expected to face scrutiny in the Senate, although the confirmation process has historically been bypassed for ICE directors. Mullin has urged the Senate to expedite Schroyer’s confirmation, emphasizing the importance of stable leadership for the agency. ICE remains a cornerstone of Trump’s intensified immigration policies, which have drawn both staunch support and vehement criticism. As the agency continues to operate under the spotlight, Schroyer’s leadership could significantly shape its trajectory in the years to come.
Schroyer is currently serving as an advisor to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, who has publicly endorsed the nomination. Mullin stated that Schroyer would play a pivotal role in advancing Trump’s agenda to target, detain, and deport irregular migrants. This nomination comes at a critical juncture for ICE, an agency that has been at the center of fierce debates over immigration policy in the United States. Critics have long accused ICE of employing excessively harsh methods in its enforcement practices, including controversial detentions and deportations.
The position of ICE director has been plagued by instability in recent years. Since 2017, no director has been confirmed by the Senate, with all appointments being made on an acting basis. Schroyer is set to succeed Todd Lyons, who held the role temporarily after being appointed by Trump in March 2025. Lyons stepped down in May 2026, shortly after the dismissal of former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who faced backlash following a deadly incident involving federal agents in Minneapolis.
The nomination of Schroyer is expected to face scrutiny in the Senate, although the confirmation process has historically been bypassed for ICE directors. Mullin has urged the Senate to expedite Schroyer’s confirmation, emphasizing the importance of stable leadership for the agency. ICE remains a cornerstone of Trump’s intensified immigration policies, which have drawn both staunch support and vehement criticism. As the agency continues to operate under the spotlight, Schroyer’s leadership could significantly shape its trajectory in the years to come.
Drafted & Edited by Investigative Desk | AboMatrix