Acting DHS Chief Announces ICE Director Mark Morgan to Lead Customs and Border Protection

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - Acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan said in a release on Thursday that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Mark Morgan will take over as the head of US Customs and Border Protection.

"Mr. Mark Morgan, who is serving as the Acting Director of ICE, will take the helm of US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as the Chief Operating Officer and Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner following John P. Sanders' decision to resign the position this week", the release said.

Earlier this week, acting Customs and Border Protection chief John Sanders announced that he would step down from his post effective 5 July, without providing a reason for his resignation. 

His resignation comes as the US southern border is faced with an influx of migrants from Central America.

Myriads of asylum seekers from Central American countries began to move toward the United States through Mexico last fall. Trump has called the influx an "invasion" and declared a national emergency in February to secure funds to build a wall on the border with Mexico.