Updated Dec 6, 2024 - Politics & Policy

Trump names 2 officials to lead immigration enforcement drive

Rebecca Falconer

President-elect Donald Trump speaks during the FOX Nation's Patriot Awards at the Tilles Center on December 05, 2024 in Greenvale, New York. President-elect Trump was in attendance for the Patriot awards where he was the recipient of the "Patriot of the Year" award. — President-elect Trump speaks during the FOX Nation's Patriot Awards at the Tilles Center in Greenvale, New York, on Thursday night. Photo: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

President-elect Trump on Thursday night nominated former U.S. Border Patrol chief Rodney Scott to lead Customs and Border Protection, and he picked Immigration and Customs Enforcement veteran Caleb Vitello to serve as acting ICE director.

Why it matters: They're likely to play a crucial role in helping Trump deliver his hard-line immigration policies that include a pledge to deport millions of undocumented immigrants.

The big picture: "Rodney served nearly three decades in the Border Patrol, building vast experience and knowledge in Law Enforcement and Border Security," Trump said in announcing Scott's nomination as Customs and Border Protection commissioner on his Truth Social platform.

Scott served as Border Patrol chief in both the Trump and Biden administrations before retiring in August 2021.
He assisted in the delivery of Trump's Remain in Mexico policy, the pandemic-era Title 42 and the Safe Third Country deal.

Vitello is a member of the Senior Executive Service with more than 23 years of federal law enforcement experience, "all with Immigration and Customs Enforcement," per his ICE biography.

He is currently the assistant director for the Office of Firearms and Tactical Programs.
"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 said on Truth Social.

Go deeper: Trump's mass deportations could face several hurdles

Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.

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Trump names 2 officials to lead immigration enforcement drive

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