Trump Withdraws ICE Nominee Amid Scrutiny and Political Pressure

President Trump withdraws Lance Schroyer as ICE nominee, citing concerns over agency's handling of enforcement operations and civilian deaths.

Editorial Desk

September 18, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — The White House announced Thursday that it has withdrawn its nomination of Lance Schroyer, a former Oklahoma state trooper, to lead U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This move ensures the agency, central to President Donald Trump’s immigration agenda, will remain without a Senate-confirmed leader for the foreseeable future.

Schroyer, who lacks significant experience in immigration enforcement, is closely aligned with Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, a former U.S. senator from Oklahoma. The White House provided no immediate explanation for the withdrawal, but the decision comes amid growing scrutiny of ICE’s operations and internal investigations into civilian deaths during enforcement actions.

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Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman Rand Paul had delayed consideration of Schroyer’s nomination until DHS provided more information about civilian fatalities linked to ICE operations. Despite this, the nomination was ultimately withdrawn before any hearing could take place. ICE has not had a confirmed director since the Obama administration, with David Venturella currently serving as acting director.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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