Trump Select Mark Morgan For Ice Director

I am pleased to inform all of those that believe in a strong, fair and sound Immigration Policy that Mark Morgan will be joining the Trump Administration as the head of our hard working men and women of ICE. Mark is a true believer and American Patriot. He will do a great job!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 5, 2019

Bloomberg reported last week that Trump was considering Morgan for the role, which is currently filled by acting ICE Director Matt Albence.

Albence, an immigration hardliner, took over the agency after former Trump pick Ronald Vitiello resigned. Trump pulled Vitiello’s nomination in early April, saying he wanted to go in a “tougher” direction.

The move came at the same time that Kirstjen Nielsen tendered her resignation as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), a shakeup that pointed to the president’s desire to crack down on illegal immigration before the 2020 elections.

Since Nielsen’s departure, the Trump administration has announced tighter restrictions on visa overstays and public housing benefits for illegal immigrants. Attorney General Bill Barr also decided last month that illegal immigrants who claim asylum are no longer eligible to be released on bond.

Morgan will likely serve as a strict implementer of Trump’s policy agenda, as he has repeatedly called the situation at the southern border a crisis and has slammed Democratsfor their opposition to the border wall.

During a Fox News“I think any time you have a change at that level, I think it kind of gives it a jump start and maybe a new direction,” he said, while also praising incoming Acting DHS Secretary Kevin McAleenan.

interview after Nielsen’s departure, Morgan said her exit would “jump start” DHS.

Story cited here.