The White House has withdrawn the nomination of Lance Schroyer, a former police officer from Oklahoma, to lead the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Schroyer, who has limited direct experience in immigration policy, is closely associated with Markwayne Mullin, the Secretary of Homeland Security. Mullin was previously a U.S. Senator from Oklahoma.
No Explanation for Withdrawal of Nomination
The government did not provide any explanation for the reason behind the withdrawal of Schroyer's nomination. At the time of his selection announcement in June, Donald Trump, the President, described Schroyer as "a patriot with real-world experience" and "a proven leader with decades of experience in detaining the worst criminals."
ICE has been without a Senate-confirmed leader since the Obama administration. David Venturella returned earlier this year as acting director after Todd Lyons recently stepped down from his leadership position.
Criticism Within the Department of Homeland Security
Reports indicate that officials within the Department of Homeland Security expressed strong objections to Schroyer's nomination and raised criticisms about his qualifications. Some called for Venturella to continue leading the agency. One anonymous official told a publication, "We don’t want Schroyer. We don’t need him. We’re doing better than ever."
Schroyer, who served in the U.S. Navy from 1992 to 1996, was once responsible for securing Mullin's home. The two developed a close friendship after Mullin invited Schroyer to dinner. However, Schroyer, who is known as a retired state police colonel, has no federal government experience other than as a special force for conducting immigration arrests.
Venturella, the acting director of ICE, is considered an ally of Tom Homan, a White House border expert, and works closely in this regard. Currently, ICE is seeking effective oversight and leadership on immigration issues, while criticisms of the qualifications of proposed nominees continue.
Source: independent.co.uk
