US Customs and Border Protection chief resigns

Washington (AP). The head of the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has resigned as head of the nation’s largest police agency at a time when clients are faced with a record number of immigrants crossing into the United States from Mexico.

Chris Magnus submitted his resignation to President Joe Biden on Saturday in which he asserted that it was “an honor and an honor” to be part of the government.

White House press secretary Karen-Jean-Pierre said Biden accepted Magnus’ resignation.

“President Biden appreciates the commissioner’s 40 years of service and the contributions he made to police reform during his tenure as chief of police in three US cities,” the statement added.

Two people briefed on Magnus’ departure told The Associated Press on Friday that he was asked to resign or be fired less than a year after he was confirmed to take the job. The sources requested anonymity because they are not authorized to comment on the matter.

Magnus’ resignation is part of broader changes to national security in the face of difficulties it has faced in blocking entry to immigrants from many countries, including Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua. This situation precedes the possibility of the Republicans taking control of the House of Representatives next January, and they are expected to begin investigations related to the border.

Migrants were stopped 2.38 million times at the border with Mexico in the fiscal year that ended September 30, a 37% increase from the previous year.

The annual total exceeded 2 million for the first time in August, more than double the highest level recorded in 2019 under President Donald Trump.

The Los Angeles Times was the first outlet to report on the alarm. In a statement to the newspaper, Magnus said Internal Security Minister Alejandro Mallorcas had asked him to resign or he would be fired.