US border chief set to resign amid controversy over conditions migrant children are living in

The resignation, effective next month, marks latest high profile resignation or firing of Trump administration

Clark Mindock

New York

Tuesday 25 June 2019 09:01 EDT

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(AP)

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The acting chief of US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), John Sanders, is expected to step down from his post in the coming weeks, amid public outrage over the treatment of migrant children in American facilities.

The resignation comes just after it was announced that more than 100 children were set to be returned to a Texas detention centre where lawyers described squalid living conditions.

Mr Sanders has been in charge of the border agency since April, when Kevin McAleenan was picked to take over as acting Secretary of Homeland Security. His resignation marks just the latest on a long list of top Trump administration officials who have been forced to resign or have been fired in the past two years.

“Although I will leave it to you to determine whether I was successful, I can unequivocally say that helping the amazing men and women of CBP has been the most fulfilling and satisfying opportunity of my career,” Mr Sanders wrote in his resignation letter. The resignation is effective as of 5 July.

In addition to the squalid living conditions for migrants, the American immigration system has also received criticism after Donald Trump called off planned raids by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and asked Congress to find a solution for the US-Mexico border within two weeks.

Here’s Mr Sanders’s letter announcing his resignation:

As some of you are aware, yesterday I offered my resignation to Secretary McAleenan, effective Friday, July 5. In that letter, I quoted a wise man who said to me, “each man will judge their success by their own metrics.” Although I will leave it to you to determine whether I was successful, I can unequivocally say that helping support the amazing men and women of CBP has been the most fulfilling and satisfying opportunity of my career.

I’ve spent a significant amount of time over the last several days reflecting on my time at CBP. When I began this journey, Commissioner McAleenan charged me with aligning the mission support organisations and accelerating his priorities. Easy enough, I thought. What I didn’t appreciate at the time was how the journey would transform me professionally and personally. This transformation was due in large part to the fact that people embraced and welcomed me in a way that was new to me -- in a way that was truly special. To this day, I get choked up when speaking about it and I can’t adequately express my thanks. As a result, let me simply say I will never stop defending the people and the mission for which 427 people gave their lives in the line of duty in defending. Hold your heads high with the honour and distinction that you so richly deserve.

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Throughout our journey together, your determination and can-do attitude made the real difference. It allowed CBP to accomplish what others thought wasn’t possible...what others weren’t able to do. And even though there is uncertainty during change, there is also opportunity. I therefore encourage everyone to reflect on all that you have accomplished as a team. My hope is you build upon your accomplishments and embrace new opportunities, remain flexible, and continue to make CBP extraordinary. This is your organisation...own it! Don’t underestimate the power of momentum as you continue to tackle some of this country’s most difficult challenges.

I will forever be honoured to have served beside you. As a citizen of this great country, I thank you for your public service.

Take care of each other,

John

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