White House withdraws Oklahoma trooper’s nomination to lead ICE

The White House has withdrawn the nomination of former Oklahoma Highway Patrol Maj. Lance Schroyer to lead U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Schroyer, a Muskogee native, spent nearly three decades in Oklahoma law enforcement.

He began his career with the Muskogee Police Department after serving four years in the U.S. Marine Corps and later joined the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

President Donald Trump nominated Schroyer in June.

He has also been serving as a senior adviser to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, a former Oklahoma senator.

The White House announced the withdrawal Thursday but did not provide a reason.

Schroyer’s nomination had stalled in the Senate without a confirmation hearing.

During his time with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Schroyer helped expand cooperation between state troopers and ICE.

Schroyer was also authorized to make immigration arrests after completing federal training.

His nomination had drawn scrutiny over his limited experience inside federal immigration agencies.

Supporters pointed instead to his law enforcement background and Oklahoma’s expanded partnership with ICE.

Schroyer never became ICE director because his nomination was not confirmed by the Senate.