Bersin Appointed DHS Assistant Secretary, Aguilar Acting CBP Commissioner

January 5, 2012

On December 30, 2011, DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano announced that President Obama appointed Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Alan Bersin to be Assistant Secretary of International Affairs for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Bersin’s term as CBP Commissioner expired at the end of 2011 because he was not confirmed by the Senate, despite receiving support from multiple trade organizations. As Assistant Secretary of International Affairs for DHS, Bersin will be responsible for overseeing DHS’ internal engagement, leading the department’s strategic development, executing DHS’ international plans and policies, and forging partnerships with foreign governments and international organizations.

David Aguilar, previously Deputy Commissioner, has taken on the role of Acting Commissioner of CBP. Aguilar began his CBP career as a Border Patrol agent in 1978, became Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol in 2004, and became Deputy Secretary of CBP in 2010. Assistant Commissioner Thomas Winkowski is now Acting Deputy Commissioner.