Federal Agency Staffers Protest Leadership Changes Amid Shakeup

WHO:

Alternet - President Donald Trump appointed Lance Schroyer, a former Oklahoma State Trooper, to lead U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Alternet - Markwayne Mullin is the Secretary of Homeland Security and a close ally of Schroyer.

Alternet - Stephen Miller is the deputy chief of staff who was expected to be appointed to the role.

Alternet - Tom Homan is the border chief and was also considered for the position.

WHAT:

Alternet - Schroyer's appointment has caused alarm among staff at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with many staffers threatening to quit.

Alternet - Schroyer will oversee a budget of $78 billion and manage 32,000 employees at ICE.

Alternet - Insiders reported that many agents are ready to retire or leave their positions due to dissatisfaction with the appointment.

NBC News Politics - Trump announced Schroyer's nomination during a weekend tour of renovation sites in the nation’s capital.

WHERE:

Alternet - The events are taking place within the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

WHY:

Alternet - There is concern among DHS officials that Schroyer's appointment signals a reduction in Stephen Miller's influence over immigration and deportation policies.

Alternet - Insiders believe that appointing someone with no experience is part of a pattern of placing friends in key positions.

HOW:

Alternet - Schroyer has been working as a senior advisor to Secretary Mullin prior to his nomination.

(UPDATED June 29, 2026 17:50 UTC)

President Trump has appointed Lance Schroyer, a former Oklahoma State Trooper, to lead U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a move that has raised concerns among staff at the Department of Homeland Security, with many threatening to quit. Schroyer, who previously served as a senior advisor to Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin, will manage a budget of $78 billion and oversee 32,000 employees at ICE, but insiders report that many agents are dissatisfied with his lack of experience. This appointment is seen as a potential shift in influence away from Stephen Miller, who was expected to take on the role, and reflects a broader pattern of placing friends in key positions within the agency.