After a career spanning more than 30 years with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Customs Service, Alfonso Robles was tapped Thursday to serve as CBP’s director of field operations in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Robles’ appointment marks his second posting in Puerto Rico. He served as a district director there in the 1990s, and he served as the first customs management center director for the Caribbean.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to return to Puerto Rico and to lead such a complex organization during some of the most challenging times this area has faced,” Robles said.
Robles, who earned a law degree from Georgetown University and is a member of the U.S. Supreme Court and District of Columbia Bar Associations, served as chief counsel of the U.S. Customs Service and the CBP from 2003 to 2013.
“I hope to enhance the nation’s safety, and look forward to lead the men and women of CBP in accomplishing an important public mission — enhancing our nation’s safety and security while at the same time fostering legitimate trade,” Robles said of his appointment.
Robles previously received the Presidential Rank Award, the DHS General Counsel’s Award and the Treasury General Counsel’s Award for Outstanding Performance.