Story perspectives

Trump Nominates Oklahoma Trooper, First ICE Director Since 2017

6/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump nominated Oklahoma state trooper Lance Schroyer as ICE director, with acting director David Venturella remaining pending Senate approval.
The nomination arrived days after the Supreme Court cleared broader deportations of Haitian and Syrian migrants.
ICE has lacked a Senate-confirmed director since early 2017, under acting heads after Todd Lyons resigned.
Following a $75 billion boost, ICE added 12,000 officers, drawing criticism over detainee deaths and Minneapolis raids.

History

Historical Context

Immigration and Customs Enforcement was formed in 2003 under the Department of Homeland Security after the September 11 attacks. The agency has operated with more than 20,000 staff but has lacked a Senate-confirmed director since Sarah Saldaña resigned on Jan 20 2017. President Donald Trump’s nomination of Oklahoma trooper Lance Schroyer continues the trend of politically driven leadership.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump nominated Oklahoma state trooper Lance Schroyer as ICE director, with acting director David Venturella remaining pending Senate approval.
The nomination arrived days after the Supreme Court cleared broader deportations of Haitian and Syrian migrants.
ICE has lacked a Senate-confirmed director since early 2017, under acting heads after Todd Lyons resigned.
Following a $75 billion boost, ICE added 12,000 officers, drawing criticism over detainee deaths and Minneapolis raids.

1 / 2