President Trump Nominates Lance Schroyer as ICE Director to Lead Aggressive Deportation Efforts

President Donald Trump announced on June 27, 2026, his nomination of Lance Schroyer to serve as the next Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Schroyer, a former Oklahoma State Trooper and United States Marine with more than 29 years of law enforcement experience, would replace the current acting director if confirmed by the Senate.

Trump highlighted Schroyer’s operational background in a Truth Social post, stating: “Lance has over 29 YEARS of Law Enforcement experience in Oklahoma — A State where I WON all 77 Counties in 2016, 2020, and 2024! Lance is a former Oklahoma State Trooper, and United States Marine. He is a PATRIOT with real operational experience, and proven leader with DECADES of experience locking up the worst of the worst, including spearheading 287g Law Enforcement partnerships with ICE!”

The nomination comes as the Trump administration continues high-volume immigration enforcement. ICE and Customs and Border Protection have achieved record daily arrest rates compared to previous administrations. Schroyer’s experience leading 287(g) partnerships in Oklahoma, which allow local law enforcement to perform immigration enforcement functions under federal authority, positions him to expand similar programs nationwide. These partnerships have facilitated the identification and removal of criminal noncitizens.

DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin praised the pick, noting: “With over 29 years of law enforcement experience, Lance will play a vital role in helping deliver on the President’s mandate from the American people to target, arrest, and deport illegal aliens.” Mullin added that Schroyer comes from the operational field where he ran large-scale operations and worked with state and federal partners to remove illegal aliens under the 287(g) program.

The position has lacked a Senate-confirmed director for over a decade, with acting leaders managing the agency in the interim. A confirmed director would provide stable leadership for ICE’s core missions of identifying, detaining, and removing noncitizens who violate U.S. immigration laws, with priority on those with criminal convictions.

Schroyer’s background includes frontline experience as a state trooper and Marine, emphasizing hands-on enforcement rather than administrative roles. Trump urged the Senate to confirm him immediately, emphasizing the need for decisive action against criminal illegal aliens, including murderers, rapists, and drug traffickers.

The nomination aligns with the administration’s broader strategy to restore interior enforcement capabilities diminished in prior years. ICE has focused resources on targeting public safety threats while expanding partnerships with state and local agencies. Schroyer’s track record in Oklahoma demonstrates practical success in removing criminal noncitizens through collaborative operations.

If confirmed, Schroyer would oversee an agency central to executing mass deportation priorities. The role involves coordinating with other DHS components, federal prosecutors, and international partners to facilitate removals. His operational experience is expected to accelerate efforts to clear backlogs and prioritize enforcement against those posing the greatest risks to American communities.

The Senate confirmation process will determine the timeline for Schroyer assuming the permanent role. Trump administration officials have stressed the urgency of filling key enforcement positions to maintain momentum in border security and interior removals. Schroyer’s nomination signals continued emphasis on experienced law enforcement professionals to lead agencies responsible for upholding immigration laws.