Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Trump Withdraws ICE Nominee, Leaving Agency Without Confirmed Leader
The White House had chosen Lance Schroyer to lead ICE, the agency that enforces immigration laws inside the United States.
The White House later canceled that nomination.
Officials did not explain why the nomination was withdrawn.
Schroyer used to be an Oklahoma state trooper and is close to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin.
President Trump praised him as an experienced leader.
Some people questioned whether Schroyer had enough experience with immigration policy or running a large agency.
His Senate confirmation hearing had been delayed.
David Venturella is still temporarily leading ICE, which has not had a Senate-confirmed director since the Obama administration.
The White House withdrew Richard “Lance” Schroyer’s nomination to lead U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Schroyer is a former Oklahoma state trooper and a close ally of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin.
Critics questioned Schroyer’s limited immigration-policy experience and readiness to lead a large federal agency.
The withdrawal was announced in a brief White House statement on September 17, with no reason given and no replacement named.
David Venturella remains ICE’s acting director, extending the agency’s lack of a Senate-confirmed leader since the Obama administration.
- Who
- The White House, President Donald Trump, Richard “Lance” Schroyer, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
- What
- The White House withdrew Schroyer’s nomination to become ICE director.
- When
- The withdrawal was announced on September 17, described in one account as Thursday; Schroyer had been nominated in June.
- Where
- The decision concerns U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the United States.
- Why
- The White House gave no reason. The nomination had faced questions about Schroyer’s immigration experience and a delayed Senate hearing.
Concerns About the Nomination
Support for the Nomination
Qualifications and experience
Concerns About the Nomination
Critics and some reported DHS insiders questioned Schroyer’s limited experience with immigration policy and leading a large federal agency. Steve Bannon argued that ICE was too complicated for an Oklahoma police officer to take over without more relevant experience.
Support for the Nomination
President Donald Trump described Schroyer as a patriot with real operational experience and a proven leader with decades of experience. Markwayne Mullin cited Schroyer’s Marine Raider background and 29 years running special units at the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
Political support within the administration
Concerns About the Nomination
Reports said Stephen Miller and Tom Homan were initially blindsided or disappointed by Schroyer’s selection, and that Mullin’s recommendation influenced the choice. A hearing was also delayed after Rand Paul sought more information from DHS, although Paul’s spokesperson said he had not expressed opposition to Schroyer.
Support for the Nomination
A White House spokesperson called reports of a MAGA rift “total fake news,” saying Miller was aware of and supportive of the decision. The spokesperson also said Trump’s immigration-enforcement team worked closely together.
Who should lead ICE now
Concerns About the Nomination
The withdrawal means ICE remains without a Senate-confirmed director, and critics of the nomination had reportedly preferred acting director David Venturella to continue leading the agency.
Support for the Nomination
Supporters of Schroyer said he could bring professionalism, structure, and standard operating procedures to ICE, but the White House has not yet announced a replacement.
- Nominee
- Richard “Lance” Schroyer
- Agency
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- Nomination status
- Withdrawn by the White House
- Announcement
- September 17, according to the White House website notice
- Current acting director
- David Venturella
- Previous occupation
- Oklahoma state trooper
- Senate confirmation history
- ICE has not had a Senate-confirmed leader since the Obama administration
