Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen announced her departure last Sunday after clashing with President Trump over border security. Her deputy, Claire Grady stepped down on Tuesday.
President Trump has grown increasingly frustrated as DHS officials have told him that dramatic immigration changes he wants are not possible under current law. In recent weeks, President Trump has interviewed several candidates for DHS secretary, an appointee who must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
Acting DHS Secretary Kevin McAleenan, who took office on Wednesday, temporarily fills a leadership vacuum at the top of DHS, which is responsible for border protection and disaster response. McAleenan remains in charge of U.S. Customs and Border Protection even as he assumes responsibility for all of DHS.
On Thursday, McAleenan named David Pekoske as his acting deputy. Pekoske has been serving as the United States’ top airport-security official. Pekoske will continue to head the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, which screens airline travelers, while he serves as the number two official at DHS. Both McAleenan and Pekoske are serving on a temporary basis.
DHS has said it has arrested or denied entry to more than 103,000 people along the border last month, more than double the figure for March 2018.
