President Donald Trump announced Sunday that former Obama-era border chief Mark Morgan will lead U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, filling an important role in the Trump administration as it seeks to curb immigration at the Southern border and tighten border security.
Trump called Morgan “a true believer and American Patriot” when he made the announcement on Twitter.
I am pleased to inform all of those that believe in a strong, fair and sound Immigration Policy that Mark Morgan will be joining the Trump Administration as the head of our hard working men and women of ICE. Mark is a true believer and American Patriot. He will do a great job!
Last month, Trump removed the acting head of ICE, Ron Vitiello, because he wanted to go in a “tougher direction” on immigration.
Morgan has publicly supported Trump’s border wall, and has been critical of Congress’ progress on the issues of immigration and border security.
A former FBI agent, Morgan led Border Patrol during the final months of the Obama administration. His appointment by the president is the latest personnel shake-up for federal agencies involved in immigration enforcement. Last month, Kirstjen Nielsen unexpectedly stepped down from her role as Department of Homeland Security secretary and was replaced by acting secretary Kevin McAleenan.
