On Wednesday, Rodney Scott, the Border Patrol Chief, informed his colleagues that he had been asked to resign amid an increase in illegal migration at the US-Mexico border.
Scott made the decision to share it on the same day that Kamala Harris, Vice President, announced her first visit to the border in order to see the effects of the year’s migration surge. However, it is not clear if Scott’s decision was related to Harris’s.
Scott, who has been in office since January 2020, informed the regional Border Patrol chief of his abrupt departure in a videoconference. The Washington Examiner first reported.
He made it clear in a Facebook post that he had been asked to step down. He said that he would do so after having helped ensure a smooth transition.
“I received my 3R notice today. Federal government slang is used to describe the letter sent to SES-level employees informing them about a direct reassignment. Scott explained that the recipient has three options: resign, relocate or retire. Scott wrote, “It is not necessary to justify the decision or make disciplinary action. It was a matter of service needs that prompted the reassignment to ensure the new administration could place the person they desire in the job. I will continue in my current job for approximately 60 days.
Since Biden’s January election, border agents have been overwhelmed since then by an influx of illegal immigrants. Biden appointed Harris as his migration czar in March. However, Harris has made it clear that her focus is not on border enforcement but rather the root causes.
Republicans claim that the rise in migration is due to policies of the Biden administration. This was also the position taken by Guatemala’s and Mexico’s presidents.
In May, the number of US-Mexico border arrests rose to a 21-year-old monthly record exceeding 180,000. In April, nearly 179,000 people were detained, and more than 173,000 in march.
Jen Psaki, White House Press Secretary, stated Wednesday that the administration is successfully dealing with border issues, focusing on reducing the number of minors in detention centers.
Psaki clarified that Harris’ efforts are still being seen when a reporter asked her about the fact that border apprehensions continue to rise each month.
Psaki stated that she believed the vice president had made several announcements regarding coordinated efforts with countries within the region, in Northern Triangle. She also said that they will be able to evaluate over time how it looks in terms of migration numbers.
Harris visited Guatemala and Mexico this month, where she was repeatedly asked when she would be crossing the border. On Friday, Harris will travel to El Paso in Texas.
