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January 27, 2020

Thompson Inquires on New Border Patrol Chief’s Involvement in Racist Social Media Groups

(WASHINGTON) – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, sent a letter to Mark Morgan, Acting Commissioner of

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), regarding the appointment of Rodney S. Scott as the Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol.  According to media reports, Mr. Scott engaged with at least one social media site in which CBP personnel communicated vulgar and discriminatory comments.  In the letter, Chairman Thompson requests all investigatory materials completed to determine Mr. Scott’s involvement in these social media groups – including if any disciplinary action was taken. 

Letter excerpts:

“I would like to understand the extent to which Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reviewed and assessed Mr. Scott’s engagement with social media sites in which personnel from CBP engaged in racist and hateful dialogue regarding immigrants and Members of Congress prior to his selection to lead the U.S. Border Patrol.”

“The provision of this information to the Committee is necessary to determine the extent to which CBP has taken adequate steps to substantiate your claim that Mr. Scott embodies the Border Patrol’s motto ‘Honor First’ and is well-positioned to successfully lead the Border Patrol.” 

Link to letter

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