Push to install DHS chief's buddy as next ICE director is shelved indefinitely - despite Trump lauding ex-state trooper's track record of locking up 'worst of worst'

By SHAWN COHEN, US SENIOR REPORTER Published: 18:27, 3 August 2026 | Updated: 18:27, 3 August 2026 The former Oklahoma state trooper's bid to become the next ICE director has been indefinitely shelved - despite objections from Homeland Security secretary Markwayne Mullin, the Daily Mail can reveal.  Mullin had been pushing to get his Oklahoma friend, Lance Schroyer, confirmed before lawmakers recess this weekend after President Trump lauded the handpicked ICE director as a ‘proven leader with DECADES of experience locking up the worst of the worst.’ As recently as July 21, DHS declared it was standing 'firmly behind' Schroyer and pushing for a 'swift confirmation' by the end of July.  But, as of Monday, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee had yet to schedule an official hearing. The committee would need at least a week to prepare for a hearing once its scheduled, so there’s no time to prepare much less get Schroyer confirmed before Congress begins its recess, a committee source told the Daily Mail. The Daily Mail reported late last month that Schroyer’s confirmation appeared in doubt, with fresh scrutiny over his lack of experience and his personal baggage, according to eight current and former DHS officials.  In particular, Schroyer's second ex-wife alleged that he went four years without paying child support for their two children, according to court documents reviewed by the Daily Mail.   As such, some in the DHS privately were quick to brand him a 'deadbeat dad' and believe the allegations may prove a liability for a nominee who described himself on his leaked resume as 'a devoted and loyal father, husband and friend.’  Homeland Security secretary Markwayne Mullin had been pushing to get his Oklahoma friend, former state trooper Lance Schroyer (pictured above), confirmed before lawmakers recess this weekend. Meanwhile, inside the DHS, Mullin has been mocked behind his back for elevating Schroyer, despite his lack of experience in immigration.  The two have a close relationship. Schroyer is a veteran of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol who Mullin used as his security guard and unofficial chauffeur when he was a senator in the Sooner State.  Mullin, who replace d Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security in March, has claimed that, upon taking up the top DHS job, he went through a rigorous two-month search for the right person to lead ICE.  'I interviewed countless individuals, because we wanted someone not to just hold the position, someone that could also be confirmed, and here you have Lance that was literally right in front of me the whole time,' he told Fox News in a recent interview.  But sources familiar with the ICE director search told the Daily Mail they are not aware of Mullin's vetting of other candidates.  Instead, sources say, Mullin tapped his 'buddy’ and took his case directly to Trump without consulting two of the President's top immigration advisers: Stephen Miller and Tom Homan.  Inside his own department, Homeland Security secretary Markwayne Mullin has been mocked behind his back for elevating Schroyer - despite his lack of experience in immigration One top ICE insider feared Schroyer's (pictured in center) lack of experience could 'tank the agency A source familiar with the matter told the Daily Mail that the White House is actively searching for alternative candidates, while leaving acting ICE Director David Venturella in place on an interim basis.  One top ICE insider feared Schroyer's lack of experience could 'tank the agency.'  'The guy has never led or commanded anything, never been a detective, never had to have a budget,' the source added. '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.’  Insiders say Schroyer's prospects diminished amid growing challenges to Mullin's authority. Notably last month, the secretary ordered ICE to stop making traffic stops after agents shot dead two men in less than a week in Maine and Texas. Both individuals were killed as agents tried to stop their cars. Within two days, Trump reversed Mullin's directive during a humiliating public post on Truth Social. President Trump had previously lauded the handpicked ICE director, Lance Schroyer, as a 'proven leader with DECADES of experience locking up the worst of the worst' After Noem, Mullin had been seen as a moderating force to lead Homeland Security following his predecessor's aggressive, highly publicized enforcement tactics. Prior to his tenure, public support for Trump's immigration agenda was eroding and damaging the President's approval ratings heading into the midterm elections. After a period of relative calm, the controversial deaths last month put the administration's crackdown back in the spotlight. Mullin's tepid response managed to infuriate not just progressives but also mass deportation hardliners, who blasted him for pivoting ICE's focus towards migrants with a criminal history. The Daily Mail has reached out to DHS but didn't hear back immediately.