Morgan named U.S. Border Patrol chief

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske named Mark Morgan as chief of the U.S. Border Patrol on Monday.

Kerlikowske said that Morgan’s selection was based off of a nationwide search process that produced a qualified group of law enforcement executives within the Border Patrol.

“Mark’s appointment comes at a very significant time for the Border Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection,” Kerlikowske said. “The important role that CBP has in securing our border and protection civil rights and civil liberties is evidenced every day in the actions of our personnel. He will be in a key leadership position responsible for more than 21,000 Border Patrol agents and personnel.”

While Morgan’s selection was met with praise from some, the National Border Patrol Council (NBPC) was disappointed that the selection was made outside of the Border Patrol organization.

“While we are disappointed that Commissioner Kerlikowske chose to break with 92 years of tradition and pass over several highly qualified candidates from within the Border Patrol, we look forward to working with Chief Morgan on the important issues and policies affecting the United States Border Patrol,” the NBPC said. “We would ask Chief Morgan to remember that the men and women working on the border everyday are the real experts in border security, and that it would behoove him to hear and act upon their concerns and suggestions.”

Prior to his selection, Morgan served as the assistant director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Training Division.