Border PatrolNew Border Patrol chief faces uphill battle to reform agency
As the first outsider appointed to run the Border Patrol in its 92-year history, former FBI official Mark Morgan starts his new job this week as chief with a target on his back. The selection of Morgan, a career FBI official, to run the 20,000-strong force sends a clear message: The Border Patrol has a culture problem that needs to be fixed. But with just seven months left in the Obama administration, the question remains whether Morgan can right an agency in turmoil or whether his appointment is merely symbolic.
As the first outsider appointed to run the Border Patrol in its 92-year history, former FBI official Mark Morgan starts his new job this week as chief with a target on his back.
The selection of Morgan, a career FBI official, to run the 20,000-strong force sends a clear message: The Border Patrol has a culture problem that needs to be fixed.
But with just seven months left in the Obama administration, the question remains whether Morgan can right an agency in turmoil or whether his appointment is merely symbolic.
Morgan follows Michael J.Fisher, who held the chief position from 2010 until his retirement in November. Ronald D. Vitiello, who was Fisher’s deputy, was acting chief since then.
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Also see the following HSNW articles by Robert Lee Maril:
“After 4 years CBP IA disabled vet still mired in employment procedures,” 23 June 2016
“More significant CBP leadership changes: Possible reorganization,” 10 September 2015
“Violence and corruption scandal at CBP: FBI clean up or cover up? Pt. 6,” 17 June 2015
“CBP IA Operation Hometown reduces violence and corruption: Tomsheck shuts it down — Pt. 5,” 27 April 2015
“CBP IA’s SAREX: Tomsheck’s program goes rogue – Pt. 4,” 18 February 2015
“Tomsheck’s “July Amnesty”: CBP IA loses hundreds of cases alleging criminal activity by CBP Employees — Pt. 3,” 12 January 2015
“James F. Tomscheck forced disabled veteran from CBP IA – Pt. 2,” 24 November 2014
“Vet alleges supervisors at CBP IA ignored his disability: ‘He Just needed an ounce of compassion’ — Pt. 1,” 28 October 2014
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This is not Morgan’s first stint at Customs and Border Protection, the Border Patrol’s parent agency. He held a six-month appointment in 2014 as interim head of internal affairs.
Before serving as the FBI’s assistant director for training, he was the FBI’s top agent in El Paso. His office handled investigations into border crimes and corruption, among other duties. Neither Customs and Border Protection nor the FBI made Morgan available for an interview before he took over the Border Patrol.
The Border Patrol has distinguished itself by doing the challenging and often thankless job of confronting unseen dangers in remote areas. But with a massive expansion since 9/11, the agency also has alienated the public and other law enforcement with its militaristic approach to border security.
