President Joe Biden plans to nominate Tucson Police Chief Chris Magnus as head of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the White House announced Monday.
Magnus has led Tucson’s police department since 2016.
He was one of six nominees for key leadership positions within the Department of Homeland Security.
Magnus was an outspoken critic of former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and in 2015 testified before then-President Barack Obama’s task force on 21st century policing on best practice models for community policing.
“During his time in Tucson and throughout his career, Chief Magnus has developed a national reputation for his sensible, inclusive approach to policing that has always centered around community building,” Mayor Regina Romero said in a press release.
“I wish the chief the best of luck during his confirmation process and look forward to continue working with him for the time that he is in Tucson.”
Homeland Security oversees border protection.
The number of unaccompanied minor migrants attempting to cross the U.S.- Mexico border has reached record levels.
In March nearly 19,000 teens and children reached the border without parents. Overall, 172,331 migrants were taken into custody that month.
“Chief Chris Magnus’ nomination to lead Customs and Border Protection represents a positive step toward ensuring the administration understands and addresses the needs of Arizona communities,” U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) said in a press release.
“I look forward to talking with Chief Magnus soon about his nomination.”
Arizona’s other U.S. Senator, Mark Kelly, expressed a similar sentiment.
“As Tucson’s police chief, Chief Magnus understands what it looks like when the federal government fails Arizona on border security and immigration, and that is the experience and perspective he can bring to this position,” Kelly said in a press release.
“We’re facing a humanitarian crisis at our border that is already straining Border Patrol in Arizona, and I look forward to speaking with Chief Magnus about his plans for Customs and Border Protection and providing a secure, orderly process at the border that prioritizes safety and public health.”
Biden also nominated John Tien for Homeland deputy secretary; Jen Easterly for director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency; Ur Jaddou for director of Citizenship and Immigration Services; Jonathan Meyer for White House Counsel; and Robert Silvers for under secretary for Strategy, Policy and Plans.
“I am excited that President Biden has nominated an extraordinary group of individuals for critical leadership positions in the Department of Homeland Security,” Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in a press release.
“They are highly regarded and accomplished professionals with deep experience in their respective fields. Together they will help advance the Department of Homeland Security’s mission to ensure the safety and security of the American people. I look forward to working with the Senate in support of their swift confirmation.”
