Trump to nominate former Oklahoma state trooper for ICE director

Published: Sunday, June 28, 2026 at 12:42 am

President Donald Trump has announced his intention to nominate Lance Schroyer, a former Oklahoma state trooper and retired U.S. Marine, to lead Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The announcement was made via a post on Truth Social, where Trump highlighted Schroyer's extensive background in law enforcement.

Schroyer, who currently serves as a senior advisor at the Department of Homeland Security, brings nearly three decades of experience in law enforcement to the potential role. Trump described Schroyer as a "PATRIOT with real operational experience" and a "proven leader with DECADES of experience locking up the worst of the worst." He further emphasized Schroyer's direct involvement in removing undocumented immigrants from streets and his affinity for ICE personnel.

The Department of Homeland Security has publicly endorsed the nomination, detailing Schroyer's responsibilities as a senior advisor to Secretary Markwayne Mullin. In this capacity, Schroyer has been involved in coordinating immigration enforcement efforts and acting as a liaison among various law enforcement agencies. Prior to his role at DHS, Schroyer held a significant position within the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, where he managed the Emergency Services Unit, and also served as a long-standing state trooper.

Secretary Mullin underscored the significance of the nomination, noting that ICE has not had a Senate-confirmed director in over ten years. He urged the Senate to expedite the confirmation process for Schroyer, stating that Schroyer will be instrumental in fulfilling the President's commitment to apprehending and deporting undocumented immigrants. Mullin also pointed to Schroyer's operational experience, including his work with state and federal partners to remove undocumented immigrants from Oklahoma under the 287g program.

Schroyer is set to succeed Todd Lyons, who served as acting ICE Director. Lyons was appointed in March 2025 and announced his departure in April, with his tenure concluding on May 31. During his approximately one year in the acting role, Lyons oversaw more than 475,000 removals and nearly 379,000 arrests.

BNN's Perspective: The nomination of Lance Schroyer to lead ICE represents a significant shift in leadership for the agency. His extensive background in law enforcement, particularly his operational experience and focus on removals, aligns with the stated priorities of the current administration. The emphasis on a Senate-confirmed director after a prolonged period without one suggests a desire for stability and a clear direction for the agency's enforcement activities. The swift confirmation process will be a key indicator of the political climate surrounding immigration policy.

Tags: Lance Schroyer, ICE director, Donald Trump, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin, Oklahoma state trooper, U.S. Marine, law enforcement, immigration enforcement, undocumented immigrants, deportations, Senate confirmation, Todd Lyons

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