The nomination of Rodney Scott, former U.S. Border Patrol Chief, to lead U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been met with widespread enthusiasm and support from Border Patrol agents across the country. Many see this as a turning point after years of record-high illegal border crossings and crime tied to unlawful immigration.
From rank-and-file agents to senior management, Scott’s nomination has been hailed as a positive step. A senior agent in Texas called him a “Great pick! Super popular Chief with the Rank in File.” Another agent remarked, “What can I say? Things are going to be serious now.”
A third agent expressed excitement, describing Scott as a potential “savior” for the agency. “We’re all ecstatic,” the agent said. “We got sick and tired of watching the criminals and everyone get away with everything. There was a reason everyone named us the ‘Welcome Patrol.’”
A Washington-based agent added, “This is absolutely great. Chief Scott will put CBP in a better place to better security and trade.” Another agent in management noted, “Great nomination, hopefully he will be able to make the right changes and be more transparent than Mayorkas.”
President Trump announced the nomination, highlighting Scott’s three-decade-long career and his instrumental role in advancing border security policies. “Rodney served nearly three decades in the Border Patrol, building vast experience and knowledge in Law Enforcement and Border Security,” Trump said. He credited Scott with implementing key policies like Remain-in-Mexico, Title 42, and Safe Third Agreements, achieving “record low levels of illegal immigration.”
Scott began his career in 1992 at the Imperial Beach Station in San Diego and held numerous roles across the country. His post-9/11 work included serving as antiterrorism adviser to the CBP commissioner and later as deputy executive director of the CBP Office of Anti-Terrorism. Under Trump, he was named Border Patrol Chief but was removed in 2021 after opposing the Biden administration’s decision to stop using the term “illegal alien.” One insider described his ousting as “completely driven by politics.”
Scott’s nomination comes as Border Patrol morale has been at an all-time low, with agents expressing frustration over lax enforcement and policies under the current administration. His return is seen as an opportunity to restore order and focus on border security. “Chief Scott will put CBP in a better place,” one agent said. Another added, “We’re loving it … It was needed.”
Since leaving the Border Patrol, Scott has served as a visiting fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, continuing his work on border security issues. His leadership is expected to bring transparency, accountability, and a renewed sense of purpose to the CBP.
