The Biden/Harris Administration is again reinforcing the message that their immigration and border policies will be a marked contrast with the previous Administration with the nomination of Tucson Police Chief Chris Magnus to serve as the next Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection.
In the press announcement broadcasting the nomination, the Biden/Harris Administration noted:
“Chris Magnus is currently the police chief in Tucson, Arizona, a diverse city close to the U.S.-Mexican border. His lengthy career in public safety includes coming up through the ranks of the Lansing, Michigan Police Department, and serving as police chief in the cities of Fargo, North Dakota, Richmond, California, and Tucson, Arizona. In each of these cities Magnus developed a reputation as a progressive police leader who focused on relationship-building between the police and community, implementing evidence-based best practices, promoting reform, and insisting on police accountability. During his time in Richmond, Magnus played a key role in rebuilding community trust in law enforcement and dramatically reducing the number of shootings and homicides. In Tucson, Magnus implemented de-escalation training, sentinel event review processes, and programs to promote officer health and wellness. Because of Tucson’s proximity to the border, he has extensive experience in addressing immigration issues. Magnus grew up in Lansing, Michigan, the son of an immigrant from Oslo, Norway. He received his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and his master’s degree in Labor Relations from Michigan State University. Magnus attended the Harvard Kennedy School Senior Executives in State and Local Government program. He has been with his husband, Terrance Cheung, for 15 years.”
A known Anti Trumpist and innovator in law enforcement reform in areas like community policing, Chief Magnus has served in his current position overseeing the Tucson Police Department since 2016.
On his nomination to become the next Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection, Tucson Mayor Regina Romero released a statement that read:
“I want to congratulate Chief Magnus for his nomination to serve as Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection,” said Mayor Regina Romero. “During his time in Tucson and throughout his career, Chief Magnus has developed a national reputation for his sensible, inclusive approach to policing that has always centered around community building.”
“Chief Magnus has always understood the importance of distinguishing the role of local law enforcement from federal immigration enforcement and how critical this is to protecting community trust. He has gained valuable experience serving as Police Chief of a major city here in the Borderlands.
“As an established immigrant-welcoming community and in response to SB-1070, Mayor & Council directed a series of amendments to TPD’s General Orders that protect victims and witnesses of crimes from arbitrary immigration status inquires, prohibit stops and detentions based on “suspicions” of unlawful status, and other actions aimed at protecting the rights of our immigrant communities. I am grateful for the Chief’s leadership in implementing these reforms, as well as other efforts including streamlining TPD’s U-visa process and the creation of a new refugee liaison program.
“I wish the Chief the best of luck during his confirmation process and look forward to continue working with him for the time that he is in Tucson.”
Chief Magnus appears to already have the votes of Arizona’s two Senators in his column.
Senator Kyrsten Sinema tweeted:
— Kyrsten Sinema (@SenatorSinema) April 12, 2021
Senator Mark Kelly later issued a statement that read:
“I’ve known Chief Magnus for a number of years, and as the son of two police officers myself, I have respected his approach to public service and law enforcement.”
“With about 370 miles of U.S.-Mexico border and numerous ports of entry, Arizona requires strong, capable leadership at Customs and Border Protection to secure the border and ensure trade and commerce that is critical for our economy. As Tucson’s Police Chief, Chief Magnus understands what it looks like when the federal government fails Arizona on border security and immigration, and that is the experience and perspective he can bring to this position.”
“We’re facing a humanitarian crisis at our border that is already straining Border Patrol in Arizona, and I look forward to speaking with Chief Magnus about his plans for Customs and Border Protection and providing a secure, orderly process at the border that prioritizes safety and public health.”
Moving forward, Washington Post reporting indicates that the nomination may encounter some bumps on the path to confirmation because of Chief Magnus’s Anti Trump position on immigration and border security.
Expect Trumpist sycophants and know-nothings in the Senate like Tom Cotton, Ted Cruz, and Josh Hawley to make their vehement opposition known.
Despite the probable objections from fringe figures like those three, expect Chief Magnus to probably be confirmed to his new position.
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Not surprising news as TPD Chief Magnus is openly gay, with a Chinese American husband, whom I know. Keep us posted when this nomination is confirmed. Thanks.
Wonderful news