The U.S. Senate has confirmed Rodney Scott, a 30-year Border Patrol veteran once fired by the Biden administration, as the new Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection in a strictly partisan vote that signals a major shift in border enforcement.
Key Takeaways
- Rodney Scott was confirmed as CBP Commissioner with 51 Republican votes in favor and 46 Democrats opposed
- Scott previously served as Border Patrol Chief from 2020-2021 before being dismissed by the Biden administration
- Democrats opposed his nomination over allegations related to a 2010 detainee death investigation
- Scott has promised to investigate whistleblower claims about DHS violations of border law under the previous administration
- His confirmation represents a significant step in President Trump’s border security agenda
Border Enforcement Veteran Returns to Lead CBP
The Senate confirmation of Rodney Scott as Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection marks a decisive victory for President Trump’s border security agenda. Scott, who brings three decades of frontline experience including previous service as Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol from 2020 to 2021, secured his position through a strictly partisan vote of 51-46. This narrow margin highlights the deep political divisions surrounding border enforcement policies and signals the administration’s commitment to strengthening border security through experienced leadership.
Scott’s confirmation represents a full-circle moment in his career, as he was previously removed from his Border Patrol Chief position in 2021 by former Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. His dismissal was widely viewed by conservatives as politically motivated due to Scott’s outspoken criticism of the Biden administration’s border policies. The new commissioner will now oversee one of the largest federal law enforcement agencies in the country, with responsibility for securing America’s borders and ports of entry.
The Senate has confirmed Rodney Scott as CBP Commissioner. A 30-year veteran of the Border Patrol, he’s back to lead the mission he helped build—strengthening enforcement, restoring law and order, and putting America first. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/tORbJE07EW
— CBP (@CBP) June 18, 2025
Democratic Opposition and Controversy
Scott’s confirmation faced significant resistance from Senate Democrats, who unanimously voted against his appointment. The opposition centered primarily around allegations related to his role in an investigation following the 2010 death of Anastasio Hernández Rojas, who died after an encounter with border agents. James Wong, a former CBP official, accused Scott of improper conduct in the handling of the case, claiming it amounted to a cover-up rather than a proper investigation.
“This was not an investigation, it was a cover-up – one Mr Scott supervised. This abuse of power disqualifies him from leading one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the country,” said James Wong, former CBP official.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden were among the most vocal critics, with Wyden expressing concerns about Scott’s potential loyalty to President Trump over constitutional considerations. Democrats also highlighted a 2021 House oversight report that attempted to link Scott to a controversial Facebook group containing inappropriate content, though Scott defended himself by arguing that the actions of a few members should not reflect on all members of the group.
Strong Republican Support and Mission Focus
Republican senators enthusiastically backed Scott’s nomination, with Senator Mike Crapo leading the support by emphasizing Scott’s extensive knowledge of effective CBP policies and his commitment to border security. The confirmation was also strongly endorsed by various organizations focused on immigration enforcement and border security, including the Federation for American Immigration Reform. House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mark E. Green offered a particularly robust endorsement of Scott’s qualifications.
“Rodney Scott is the right man to lead Customs and Border Protection at this crucial moment in our nation’s history. As the Trump administration works to undo the damage caused by the Biden-Harris administration’s radical open-borders, anti-enforcement policies, we will need experienced, principled, and dedicated men and women leading the charge,” said Mark E. Green, House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman.
Following his confirmation, Scott expressed gratitude to President Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem while emphasizing his commitment to leading with integrity. He has already promised to investigate allegations from CBP whistleblowers regarding potential violations of border law by the previous administration, signaling a shift toward stricter enforcement and accountability within the agency. This aligns with President Trump’s broader agenda to restore order at the southern border after years of what conservatives view as deliberate neglect.
“I’m honored that the United States Senate has confirmed me, and I want to thank President Donald Trump and Secretary Kristi Noem for their trust and unwavering leadership. I started my career on the frontlines, and now I am ready to lead my CBP family with integrity and a clear mission to defend our sovereignty, enforce the law, and put America first,” said Rodney Scott, CBP Commissioner.
