Customs and Border Protection, the federal agency that oversees the nation’s borders, is beginning its third month without a permanent leader as the Biden administration faces a mounting situation on the southern border.
President Biden has yet to nominate someone to take over the 60,000-person CBP, whose law enforcement personnel inspect people and goods at land, air, and sea ports of entry, as well as arrest those who attempt to enter the country illegally between the land crossings.
The delay in selecting a replacement to acting Commissioner Mark Morgan, the last person to lead the agency under the Trump administration, is not unprecedented, but it is noteworthy given the rising number of immigrants being taken into custody at the border since January. Last month, nearly 100,000 people were apprehended coming over the United States-Mexico border, up from 78,000 in January.
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At present, Troy Miller is the senior official performing the duties of the commissioner. Miller led CBP’s New York Office of Field Operations, which focuses on travel and trade but has a different mission than Border Patrol agents who focus on thwarting illegal immigration and drug smuggling between ports of entry.
“I’m honored to assume the role of Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner of @CBP. I am continually inspired by the men and women of CBP, who work tirelessly every day to keep this country and its people safe,” Miller tweeted shortly after taking over CBP in January.
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Kevin McAleenan was made acting commissioner in January 2017 before being nominated by former President Donald Trump in May 2017 and confirmed in March 2018. McAleenan was later promoted to secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. The rest of Trump’s term saw acting commissioners for the CBP following McAleenan’s promotion.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
