Senate Confirms Rodney Scott To Lead Customs And Border Protection
The U.S. Senate has confirmed Rodney Scott as the new head of Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Department of Homeland Security’s largest enforcement agency, employing roughly 65,000 personnel.
Scott, who previously served as Border Patrol Chief, was approved in a 51-46 party-line vote, with all Republicans supporting his confirmation and all Democrats opposed. CBP includes two main divisions: the Border Patrol, responsible for securing borders between ports of entry, and the Office of Field Operations (OFO), which oversees security at ports of entry.
Scott’s departure from the Border Patrol during the Biden administration followed his opposition to policy changes he viewed as politically motivated. In April 2021, Acting CBP Commissioner Troy Miller directed the agency to use the term “undocumented immigrant” rather than “illegal alien.” Scott responded in an internal memo, emphasizing the importance of accurate, law-based messaging and warning that mandated changes could erode public trust in federal law enforcement.
He retired as Chief of the Border Patrol in August 2021 but remained an outspoken advocate for strict border enforcement, frequently appearing before Congress and in media outlets. He supported programs such as Safe Third Country agreements, the Remain in Mexico policy, and border wall construction—policies closely aligned with Trump-era immigration priorities.
Scott’s confirmation marks a return to leadership with a focus on strict border enforcement and agency integrity, but his past conflicts with federal leadership hint at potential debates ahead…