Trump withdraws ICE director nominee

President Trump pulled his nomination of Lance Schroyer to head Immigration and Customs Enforcement after Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky blocked the confirmation hearing.

Who is Lance Schroyer

Schroyer is a former Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper with no experience leading a law enforcement agency. He was close to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, having previously served on his security detail.

Trump's original pitch for Schroyer

Trump nominated Schroyer in June, calling him a patriot with decades of experience and a vital player in the administration's immigration crackdown. Homeland Security Secretary Mullin praised his operational field experience.

“PATRIOT with real operational experience, and proven leader with DECADES of experience locking up the worst of the worst”

Paul blocks hearing over fatal shootings

Senator Rand Paul, chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, delayed the confirmation hearing in August. He demanded more information about investigations into two fatal shootings of U.S. citizens by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis.

Democrats call for transparency and accountability

Democratic Senator Gary Peters criticized ICE for increasingly questionable enforcement tactics and lack of transparency. He called on the administration to nominate someone who would restore accountability and deescalate immigration enforcement.

“the Administration needs to nominate someone who will right the ship, provide transparency, and restore the accountability”

ICE remains without confirmed director

ICE has not had a Senate-confirmed leader since 2017. David Venturella has headed the agency in an acting capacity since June 1, following Todd Lyon's departure.