Acting US Homeland Security Chief has resigned, says Donald Trump

Acting Secretary of US Department of Homeland Security Kevin McAleenan resigned on October 11, announced US President Donald Trump. Trump, in a tweet, congratulated McAleenan for his brief stint as acting chief and said that McAleenan wants to spend more time with his family. 

 

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McAleenan's statement

Few minutes after Trump’s announcement, McAleenan, in a statement, thanked the US President for “the opportunity to serve alongside the men and women of the Department of Homeland Security”.

“With his support, over the last 6 months, we have made tremendous progress mitigating the border security and humanitarian crisis we faced this year, by reducing unlawful crossings, partnering with governments in the region to counter human smugglers and address the causes of migration, and deploy additional border security resources,” read the statement.

McAleenan assured that he will work with the White House and DHS leadership teams on a smooth transition.

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Vice President Mike Pence also thanked McAleenan for his service towards the United States.

“Thank you Kevin McAleenan for your dedication and service to our country! You have done great work securing our border and we are thankful for your continued support of President @realDonaldTrump and our entire Administration,” tweeted Pence.

McAleenan's appointment after immigrants controversy 

On October 10, Kevin McAleenan received Founders Medallion Award from the Border Patrol Foundation. McAleenan had replaced Kirstjen Nielsen in April this year after her resignation. An American daily had reported that there was tension between Nielsen and Trump on the issue of undocumented immigrant parents. Nielsen differed with Trump on his call to separate undocumented immigrant parents from their children while in custody.

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