Former Border Patrol Chief Rodney Scott to Lead U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Scott was confirmed by the Senate in a straight party-line vote.
The U.S. Senate today held a recorded vote to confirm one individual nominated by President Donald Trump to serve in the executive branch of government - specifically in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security led by Secretary Kristi Noem since January 2025.
In a 51-46 vote, Rodney Scott was confirmed as Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The position has been held by two separate acting officials since November 2022, when Chris Magnus resigned after serving since December 2021.
51 Republicans approved Scott’s nomination. 44 Democrats and two Independents voted in opposition. Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) did not vote.
Scott was nominated to this position by Trump in December 2024. He previously served as Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol from February 2020 to August 2021. While holding the role under two Presidents, Scott was asked to resign from his position by former President Joe Biden.
Scott joined the U.S. Border Patrol in May 1992. Before becoming Chief, he held various leadership positions - including Chief Patrol Agent at El Centro Sector in Imperial, California; Deputy Chief Patrol Agent at San Diego Sector; Patrol Agent in Charge at the Brown Field Station in San Diego, California; Assistant Chief at CBP’s Office of Anti-Terrorism in Washington, D.C.; and Division Chief and Director for the Incident Management and Operations Coordination Division at CBP Headquarters.