The White House has withdrawn Lance Schroyer's nomination to lead Immigration and Customs Enforcement after bipartisan surprise over his limited federal experience and behind-the-scenes resistance from Senate Republicans. Sen. Rand Paul requested DHS records tied to an investigation involving two agents, a move that contributed to the stall. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, who brought Schroyer into DHS and personally advocated for him, faces scrutiny. The episode underscores a pattern of contested Trump-era nominations that some Senate Republicans have refused to advance.
White House Withdraws Trump's ICE Nominee Lance Schroyer After Mullin Tie Triggers Senate Pushback
An Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent is seen on Sept. 19, 2025, in Park Ridge, Illinois .
When President Donald Trump nominated Oklahoma state trooper Lance Schroyer to lead Immigration and Customs Enforcement several months ago, the pick surprised lawmakers from both parties. Schroyer had a low national profile in federal law enforcement and many observers questioned whether he had the experience to oversee ICE's expanding workforce and a much larger budget.
Behind the scenes, Schroyer struggled to gain momentum with Senate Republicans, leaving his confirmation in doubt early on. That resistance culminated this week when the White House formally withdrew his nomination.
Politico reported that Schroyer's bid stalled after Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) requested that the Department of Homeland Security provide his committee with more information about its investigation into two ICE and Border Patrol agents accused of killing two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis in January.
The withdrawal is a political setback for several players, and especially for Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, who had personally advocated for Schroyer and brought him onto the DHS staff after joining the Cabinet. The Washington Examiner noted that Schroyer had been a close aide — even described as "carrying his [Mullin's] briefcase" — before being promoted earlier this year to a senior adviser role at DHS.
Soon after that promotion, Schroyer was tapped by the president to run ICE. But his nomination collapsed before he received a confirmation hearing, prompting questions about vetting and political judgment within the administration.
Broader Implications
Beyond the personnel drama, the episode highlights a growing pattern: a number of Trump-era nominees have failed to advance or been withdrawn amid concerns about qualifications or controversy, even with a Republican-controlled Senate. The list of withdrawn or stalled picks has quietly grown and includes figures nominated for posts large and small.
While the White House appears to prefer swift confirmation of presidential choices, Schroyer's withdrawal shows there are limits to what Senate Republicans will approve — particularly when questions arise about background, vetting, or possible conflicts tied to senior officials who champion nominees.
This report updates earlier coverage.
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