The Government today announced the appointment of John Sanders as the new Commissioner of the Office of Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in the midst of a series of changes in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Sanders was named the new head of CBP to replace Kevin McAleenan, who just over a week ago was appointed interim DHS secretary.
“Acting Secretary Kevin K. McAleenan today announced his appointment of John P. Sanders, Chief of Operations of the Office of Customs and Border Protection, as the highest ranking official to carry out the duties of Commissioner of CBP.” DHS reported in a statement.
The note points out that Sanders has been “decisive” in taking forward “the mission and organizational priorities” of the agency.
“In addition to providing greater attention to the agency’s operational needs, (Sanders) has offered strategic direction and critical control to carry out support operations throughout the institution,” the statement said.
The appointment of Sanders comes after the past April 7 the president, Donald Trump, announced via Twitter the departure of the then secretary of DHS, Kirstjen Nielsen, which had criticized for his management of what he calls crisis in the border with Mexico.
The departure of Nielsen was the first of a series of movements that over the last few days have shaken the agency that, among other functions, is responsible for combating illegal immigration.
Just two days after her departure was confirmed, Nielsen herself announced that her number two in the department, Claire Grady, had resigned.
Also, last week, the acting director of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service (ICE), Ron Vitiello, who headed the government agency in charge of the deportations of undocumented migrants, left the post after Trump announced his exit because I wanted to go in a “harder” direction.
In his shake to DHS, Trump has also replaced the head of the Secret Service, Randolph Alles. (EFEUSA) .-
