The Washington PostDemocracy Dies in Darkness

Biden administration removes Rodney Scott as head of U.S. Border Patrol

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June 23, 2021 at 5:57 p.m. EDT
Rodney Scott, who has been removed from his position as chief of the Border Patrol, is pictured in San Diego in April 2018. (Carolyn Van Houten/The Washington Post)

The Biden administration has forced out the head of the U.S. Border Patrol, Rodney Scott, clearing a path for a leadership overhaul at an agency strained by a 20-year high in illegal border crossings, and whose top officials were broadly sympathetic to President Donald Trump.

Scott, a 29-year veteran, published a statement on social media Wednesday saying he had received a letter offering him the option to resign, retire or relocate. He said the notice did not provide a rationale for his removal, describing it a pro forma notice “so the new administration can place the person they want in the position.”