by JESSICA A. BOTELHO | The National News DeskSat, June 27, 2026 at 2:01 PMUpdated Sat, June 27, 2026 at 2:03 PMFILE - A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent is seen in Park Ridge, Ill., Sept. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley, File)WASHINGTON (TNND) — President Donald Trump on Saturday said he nominated Oklahoma law enforcement veteran Lance Schroyer to serve as the next director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). "Lance has over 29 YEARS of Law Enforcement experience in Oklahoma," Trump wrote on Truth Social."Lance is a former Oklahoma State Trooper, and United States Marine. He is a PATRIOT with real operational experience, and proven leader with DECADES of experience locking up the worst of the worst," Trump added, in part.Trump also said Schroyer has worked closely with ICE through the agency's 287(g) program, which allows state and local law enforcement agencies to partner with federal immigration authorities to identify and process immigrants in the country illegally who are arrested on criminal charges.The president said Schroyer would help carry out the administration's immigration agenda, including increasing the detention and deportation of immigrants in the country illegally who are accused or convicted of violent crimes and other offenses.Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin shared Trump's sentiments, noting that "Lance will play a vital role in helping deliver on the President’s mandate from the American people to target, arrest, and deport illegal aliens." "President Trump made a great pick, and I’m confident Lance’s strong leadership and firsthand experience will empower the men and women of ICE to deport criminal illegal aliens, secure the homeland, and protect the American people," he wrote on X.The nomination must be approved by the Senate before Schroyer can assume the role."The Senate must CONFIRM Lance, IMMEDIATELY -- Do not delay. Together, we will MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN," Trump wrote.