Sec. Kirstjen Nielsen Steps Down as Head of Homeland Security

Trump names current Customs and Border Patrol Commissioner Kevin McAleenan as acting head of DHS.

By The Stream Published on April 7, 2019

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen has resigned.

President Trump tweeted the news late this afternoon, thanking Sec. Nielsen for her service.

Sec. Nielsen says she thanked President Trump for the opportunity to serve in his administration. She went on to say “It’s been an honor of a lifetime to serve with the brave men and women” of DHS. 

Nielsen also said in her resignation letter, “I can say with confidence our homeland is safer today than when I joined the Administration.”

CBP Commissioner to Take Charge

Trump announced that Nielsen will be replaced, at least for the time being, with current Customs and Border Patrol Commissioner Kevin McAleenan.

The move comes amid the President’s growing frustration over the flood of illegal immigrants pouring over the nation’s southern border. Last month, over 100,000 people were captured trying to enter the country. Untold numbers escaped capture. The system is being overrun. Last week, Sec. Nielson herself compared the situation to a “Cat 5 hurricane disaster.” 

Even President Obama’s Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson bucked the Democratic talking point and declared the situation a crisis.

At a border security round table Friday, President Trump had a message for those making their way to the U.S. “The system is full,” Trump said. “We can’t take you anymore. Whether it’s asylum, whether it’s anything you want, it’s illegal migration, we can’t take you anymore. Our country is full, our area’s full, the sector is full. We can’t take you anymore, I’m sorry, can’t happen. So turn around, that’s the way it is.”

Nielsen’s Frustration and the President’s Tougher Direction

According to the Associated Press, Nielsen was growing frustrated at the lack of help she was getting from other Federal agencies in dealing with the staggering number of families entering the country. Fox News also noted how she’d been on social media blasting Congress for its refusal to help DHS deal with the humanitarian and security mission.

As for President Trump, he’s stated openly he plans on taking a stronger stance on the border crisis. He withdrew the nomination of acting ICE Director Ron Vitiello, saying, “Ron’s a good man, but we’re going in a tougher direction.”

Kevin McAleenan was selected to be head of CBP on Trump’s first day in office. He was named deputy commissioner of CBP by former President Obama.

Said Trump, “I have confidence that Kevin will do a great job!”

 

 

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