US border chief 'tells agents he was forced out of job' day after Trump signs Mexico wall executive order
Mark Morgan, a former FBI agent, took office in October
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The man in charge of US border protection has been forced out of his job just a day after Donald Trump announced he was pressing ahead with his plan to build a wall along the border with Mexico, according to an unnamed official.
Border Patrol chief Mark Morgan told senior agents about his removal during a video conference on Thursday morning.
He reportedly said he was asked to leave and that he decided to resign rather than fight the request.
The Customs and Border Protection agency confirmed Mr Morgan's last official day in office would be on Tuesday.
Mr Morgan, a former FBI agent, only took office in October.
In a statement, Kevin McAleenan, the Customs and Border Protection's acting commissioner, praised Mr Morgan for "his unwavering dedication to our border security mission" and "lifelong career in service to the nation".
He had clashed with the Border Patrol's union, which endorsed Mr Trump during the presidential campaign.
Mr Trump signed an executive order for construction of the wall on Wednesday.
He has repeated his claim that Mexico will pay for the work, an assertion that led to the country’s president Enrique Pena Nieto cancelling his trip to the US to meet the billionaire property tycoon.
Addressing Republican members of Congress at a meeting in Philadelphia, he said he and Mr Pena Nieto had agreed to cancel the meeting, adding it would be fruitless if Mexico did not treat the United States "fairly".
"I've said many times that the American people will not pay for the wall," he told the gathering.
"Unless Mexico is going to treat the United States fairly, with respect, such a meeting would be fruitless and I want to go a different route."
Additional reporting AP
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments