Rodney Scott’s Nomination: A New Era for U.S. Border Protection?

 

In a 51-46 Senate vote, Rodney Scott, a 29-year veteran of the Border Patrol, was confirmed as the new Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. After the Biden administration’s record-breaking illegal immigration crisis, Scott’s appointment marks a clear return to Trump’s strict border policies.

Border Security Expert Returns to Lead CBP

Scott previously served as Border Patrol chief during Trump’s first term before being removed by President Biden in August 2021. He makes history as the first person to rise from a GS-5 Border Patrol agent trainee to Commissioner of the largest law enforcement organization in the United States.

The confirmation comes after Biden’s border policies resulted in over 10.7 million illegal entry attempts, exceeding the numbers of any two-term administration in history. With over 65,000 workers managing 328 ports of entry, CBP will now have its first Senate-confirmed leader since Chris Magnus resigned in November 2022.

Democratic Opposition and Policy Priorities

Every Senate Democrat voted against Scott’s confirmation, with Senator Ron Wyden leading the opposition. Critics pointed to Scott’s alleged involvement in covering up the 2010 death of Anastasio Hernández Rojas, which resulted in a $1 million settlement.

Scott has pledged to continue building the border wall system and enhancing technology to combat illegal immigration and drug smuggling. His previous implementation of key Trump policies like the Migrant Protection Protocols (“Remain in Mexico”) and Asylum Cooperative Agreements with Central American countries contributed to historically low illegal immigration levels during Trump’s first term.

America-First Border Management

As Commissioner, Scott will oversee an agency with an annual budget of $18.5 billion, facilitating $4 trillion in trade and processing 410 million travelers. CBP remains America’s unified border management agency, focusing on security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and strict enforcement of immigration laws.

“I’m honored that the United States Senate has confirmed me, and I want to thank President Trump and Secretary Noem for their trust and unwavering leadership. I started my career on the front lines, and now I am ready to lead my CBP family with integrity and a clear mission to defend our sovereignty, enforce the law, and put America first.”

President Trump praised Scott’s extensive experience, noting, “Rodney served nearly three decades in the Border Patrol, building vast experience and knowledge in Law Enforcement and Border Security. Rodney served as the 24th Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, where he implemented Remain-in-Mexico, Title 42, Safe Third Agreements, and achieved record low levels of illegal immigration.”

Sources:

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/immigration/3445678/senate-confirms-rodney-scott-trump-border-agency-head/

https://www.tucsonsentinel.com/nationworld/report/061825_scott_confirmed_cbp/

https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/us-senate-confirms-rodney-scott-commissioner-us-customs-and-0

 

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