CBP appoints two new officers to senior leadership

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently appointed two officers for higher-level positions at two different ports of entry.

CBP named Roderick W. Hudson as area port director for the Houston and Galveston area ports of entry on Sept. 18, while Roy D. Villareal was named the San Diego Sector Border Patrol’s new deputy chief patrol agent (DCPA) on Sept. 19.

Hudson most recently worked as the assistant port director for tactical operations in Houston and previously served as the assistant port director for tactical operations at the Miami International Airport.

“I am looking forward to working with local partners and industry stakeholders in carrying out CBP’s mission of protecting the nation from terrorists and terrorist weapons while facilitating legitimate trade and travel,” Hudson said. “I recognize the importance of the Texas seaports to the nation’s economy and the shared responsibility to keep them secured.”

Villareal’s appointment places him second-in-command for the San Diego Sector Border Patrol, assuming responsibilities in securing approximately 60 miles of southern land border as well as the entire California coastal region. Additionally, Villareal will command more than 2,400 Border Patrol agents and approximately 200 support personnel.

Prior to his new appointment, Villareal served in key leadership positions for CBP in Washington, DC, Yuma Sector Border Patrol and the El Centro Sector Border Patrol.

“Roy Villareal brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to San Diego,” Richard A. Barlow, chief patrol agent for CBP, said. “He will provide the leadership needed to advance our sector’s border security mission.”