The president-elect nominated Rodney Scott to lead U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday night announced a series of high-profile appointments and nominations to bolster his administration’s border security team.
CBP Commissioner
Trump nominated Rodney Scott to lead U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
“Rodney served nearly three decades in the Border Patrol, building vast experience and knowledge in Law Enforcement and Border Security,” Trump wrote.
Scott previously served as the 24th chief of the Border Patrol, where he oversaw key policies enacted during Trump’s first term, including the Remain-in-Mexico program and Title 42, which blocked immigration to protect public health. Scott also “achieved record low levels of illegal immigration,” Trump said.
Acting Director of ICE
Trump also named Caleb Vitello as acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Vitello is a 23-year veteran of ICE and current assistant director of the Office of Firearms and Tactical Programs.
Vitello has led the National Fugitive Operations Program and served as Chief of Staff for Enforcement and Removal Operations, managing a $4.7 billion budget and 8,000 employees. He also worked at the White House National Security Council on child safety and national security initiatives.
“Caleb’s exceptional leadership, extensive experience, and commitment to ICE’s mission make him an excellent choice to implement my efforts to enhance the safety and security of American communities who have been victimized by illegal alien crime,” Trump wrote.
Deputy Homeland Security Advisor
Tony Salisbury, currently special agent in charge for ICE Homeland Security Investigations in Miami, will serve as deputy Homeland Security advisor. Salisbury brings extensive experience in counter-narcotics, financial crimes, and transnational gang investigations.
Salisbury has held multiple leadership positions, including acting deputy executive associate director for ICE/HSI and deputy attaché in Mexico, where he led investigations into cartel activities and money laundering.
“Tony will bring his vast Law Enforcement, counter-narcotics, and counter-cartel experience to the White House where he will serve under Stephen Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Advisor,” Trump wrote.
Ambassador to Chile
Trump also announced the nomination of Brandon Judd, president of the National Border Patrol Council, as ambassador to Chile. Judd has been a close advisor to Trump on border security policies for nearly a decade.
“I am confident Brandon will represent the United States in the same manner as he represented all rank-and-file Border Patrol Agents as the President of the National Border Patrol Council. Brandon will do our Country proud!” Trump wrote.