President-elect Trump has nominated former Border Commissioner Rodney Scott to head U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
“Rodney served in the Border Patrol for nearly 30 years, building tremendous experience and knowledge in law enforcement and border security,” President Trump said in an announcement on Truth Social Thursday night. “Rodney served as the 24th Commissioner of the U.S. Border Patrol, implementing the Remain in Mexico, Title 42, and Safe Third agreements and achieving record low levels of illegal immigration.”
Scott began working for the Border Patrol in the 1990s. He rose through the ranks and served as Border Patrol chief in both the Trump and President Biden administrations. He was appointed by President Trump in February 2020. He oversaw more than 21,000 employees and supported some of President Trump's border policies, including expanding the wall with neighboring Mexico.
He announced that he would step down in late June 2021, a decision that was widely expected.
“Simply if there is a need for a service, we simply direct the reassignment so that the new administration can fill the position with the person they want,” Scott said.
The current chief of the U.S. Border Patrol is Jason Owens.
Mr. Scott retired in mid-August 2021 after nearly 30 years of experience in federal law enforcement.
“Even after his retirement, Rodney continued to educate politicians and the public about the importance of meaningful border security,” Trump said in a post.
