Border Expert: New Border Chief Will Take Action

During his remarks, Ortiz said, “One of the things that it tells me is that selecting Tom Homan as the Border Czar means that this administration is going to take the border very serious[ly], as their number one priority. One of the things we struggled with when I was the Chief was getting engagement from policy officials and the White House. You’re not going to see that with Tom Homan. He’ll roll up his sleeves. He’ll get down to the border. He’ll talk to the men and women of the Border Patrol, of ICE, of Customs, and he’ll find out exactly what they need to get the job done. And so, I see that this is a tremendous step, not just for the crisis that we’ve been dealing with for the last two or three years, but also for border security and national security.”

Ortiz anticipated improved diplomatic relations regarding deportation procedures, particularly with Marco Rubio’s potential appointment as Secretary of State. He emphasized the importance of establishing effective return mechanisms for individuals without valid immigration benefits.

"I've never had one conversation with the president or the vice president for that matter… That's a problem,” says Raul Ortiz, the U.S. Border Patrol chief under President Biden until he retired last year. pic.twitter.com/bWoZkFbnVc

— 60 Minutes (@60Minutes) March 4, 2024

Addressing workplace enforcement, Ortiz emphasized the need for stricter adherence to existing regulations. He expressed optimism that under Homan’s leadership, organizations would better comply with immigration laws and procedures.

Concluding his assessment, Ortiz addressed infrastructure concerns, pointing out the unused border materials accumulated over recent years. He expressed optimism that the new administration would revive and complete previously initiated border security projects.