Trump Names New Head for Criticized Immigration Agency

U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated former state trooper Lance Schroyer to serve as the director of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. Trump announced the nomination on his social media platform, Truth Social.

"Lance has over 29 years of law enforcement experience in Oklahoma," Trump wrote. "He is a patriot with real operational experience and a leader with decades of experience putting the worst of the worst behind bars." The President urged the Senate to confirm Schroyer quickly.

ICE has not had a director confirmed by the Senate since early 2017. Since then, various individuals have held the title of acting chief. David Venturella was appointed acting chief in May, succeeding Todd Lyons, who had held the position since March 2025.

ICE is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Since Trump's return to the White House in January of last year, his administration has pursued a strict immigration policy. Human rights groups have voiced concerns that the government's actions infringe upon the right to due process and freedom of speech, creating an unsafe environment, particularly for ethnic minorities.

ICE has been central to Trump's hardline immigration stance, with numerous arrests and deportation attempts. Critics argue that ICE fosters fear in communities and violates individuals' rights. Trump, a Republican, has defended the agency's efforts, stating they aim to reduce the number of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. and enhance national security.