The White House has withdrawn the nomination of Richard Schroyer to lead U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The decision followed the nomination's failure to move forward in the Senate after being introduced by President Trump.
Schroyer was nominated in June while serving as a senior adviser to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin. The position he was nominated for was assistant DHS secretary, with the specific intent of running ICE. The agency has not had a Senate-confirmed director since 2017.
The nomination stalled in the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) stalled the process by requesting details regarding investigations into agent-involved shootings in Minnesota. A spokesperson for Senator Paul stated that the senator had not expressed opposition to Schroyer.
David Venturella is currently serving as the senior official performing the duties of ICE director. He assumed these responsibilities following the departure of Todd Lyons, who announced he was leaving the top role at the agency in April.
The lack of a Senate-confirmed director, a vacancy that has persisted since 2017, means the agency continues to be led by acting officials. It remains unknown when the White House will put forward a new nominee or if David Venturella will continue in an acting capacity.