Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin is facing mounting criticism and potential embarrassment over his selection of Lance Schroyer to lead U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Schroyer's nomination is reportedly in jeopardy amid scrutiny over his qualifications and allegations of unpaid child support, according to multiple current and former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials.
Mullin, who replaced Kirstjen Nielsen in March, has been described by some within DHS as having a close relationship with Schroyer, whom he appointed as his pick to lead ICE. Insiders claim Mullin selected Schroyer, a former Oklahoma state trooper who served as Mullin's security guard and driver when Mullin was a senator, without consulting key Trump immigration advisors like Stephen Miller and Tom Homan. This perceived lack of due diligence has led to concerns about Schroyer's preparedness to lead the second-largest law enforcement agency in the United States.
"The guy has never led or commanded anything, never been a detective, never had to have a budget," one source told the Daily Mail. "He's only known for being a friend of Mullin and on his security detail. And now he's being called on to lead the second largest law enforcement agency in the entire United States. Come on, it's a joke."
Schroyer's resume, which has circulated internally, has reportedly drawn ridicule, with some of his cited 'special achievements' including planning for the 2024 solar eclipse and a 2018 teacher walkout. Critics argue he lacks experience in immigration enforcement, a critical mission for ICE.
Further complicating Schroyer's confirmation prospects are allegations from his second ex-wife. Court documents reviewed by the Daily Mail indicate she claimed in 2021 that Schroyer had failed to pay court-mandated child support for their two children for four years. She reportedly dismissed her application in 2022, waiving the outstanding support while modifying their custody agreement. Her lawyer did not respond to inquiries, and she declined to comment, stating she was protecting her children.
The controversy surrounding Schroyer's nomination follows a recent public setback for Mullin. Last week, Trump overturned Mullin's directive that temporarily barred ICE agents from making traffic stops. The directive was issued after two men were killed by ICE agents attempting to stop their vehicles in Maine and Texas. Senator Susan Collins of Maine had requested the pause, and Trump reversed Mullin's order via Truth Social, reportedly leaving Mullin "hysterical."
This incident has fueled skepticism among some officials about Mullin's leadership and decision-making authority. "Mullin, who fondles stress balls all day, pushed the wussy button such that Trump personally had to overrule him publicly," a former senior DHS official was quoted as saying. Others have questioned his ability to manage the agency, with one insider venting, "It's really f***ing bad over there."
The DHS has stated it stands "firmly behind" Schroyer and is pushing for a swift confirmation. However, the Senate has yet to schedule a confirmation hearing, and the White House has not officially submitted the necessary paperwork. The timing of any potential hearing remains uncertain, especially given the recent challenges to Mullin's authority and the ongoing scrutiny of his chosen nominee.