The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Friday that the current head of the division, Del Rio, will replace outgoing Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz.
DHS announced that Jason Owens, the current director of the Del Rio District Border Patrol, will succeed Ortiz when he retires on June 30.
Owens has been with the Border Patrol for more than 25 years, taking up the role just as fears at the border began to recede following the expiration of a Title 42 public health order, but officials said the situation would continue to grow. It is cautious about the view that it will continue. long term.
The agency also announced that Acting Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Benjamin “Carrie” Huffman is also stepping down and will be replaced by Field Operations Assistant Commissioner Pete Flores.
Chief Patrol Agent Jason Owens poses for a photograph at the U.S. Border Patrol’s Horton District Headquarters in Hodgdon, Maine, on August 20, 2019.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorcas said, “Acting Deputy Secretary Huffman and Secretary Ortiz embody the ideals of a public servant. They have dedicated their careers to the safety and security of the American people and to the improvement of the great CBP. We have made a lot of sacrifices,” he said. in a statement. “Their deeds of service are enduring and will forever be part of the fabric of the entire Department of Homeland Security. Their deeds inspire them to serve and lead with honor and integrity. I would like to congratulate them on their achievements.”Even though I am retiring, I am deeply grateful for all they have done. “
U.S. Border Patrol Commissioner Raul Ortiz, who has headed border security since 2021, is stepping down
DHS Secretary hailed Owens as a “talented, selfless and inspirational leader dedicated to Border Patrol’s law enforcement mission, the men and women who carry it out, and the country we all serve.” .
“I have worked with Secretary Owens. I am inspired by his commitment to his mission and appreciate his continued service in this new leadership role,” he said. rice field.
Ortiz’s term comes after he led the agency through some of the busiest months in its history, as the agency entered its third year in dealing with a historic immigration crisis.
Notably, this year, Ortiz has attended homeland security hearings, publicly opposed the Biden administration’s decision to stop building the border wall, and was also found innocent of lashing immigrants in the Del Rio district in 2021. publicly supported an employee accused of
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He also said areas were overwhelmed, and in response to questions he said officials did not “administer” the border, but DHS officials did not provide the definition he was asked about (administrative control). means no illegal border crossings). Accomplished by any administration.
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With Ortiz’s resignation, the acting director of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Te Johnson, will also step down.
The CBP was led by Acting Secretary Troy Miller, briefly replaced by then-Secretary Chris Magnus, who later resigned after clashing with DHS officials.
