Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Chris Magnus was asked on Wednesday by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to either resign from his position or be fired, according to multiple government sources, reported Politico.
According to Fox News, Magnus is being forced out of his position as part of a greater change in leadership at the Department of Homeland Security. So far, the commissioner has refused to step down from his position.
Magnus confirmed the rumors on Friday and told the Los Angeles Times, “I am excited about the progress I made and look forward continuing that work.”
The commissioner explained that Mayorkas told him he had lost confidence in his ability to perform his duties. Magnus stated that as a result, Mayorkas told him to resign, or he would recommend that President Biden fire him.
In September, the Arizona Sheriff’s Association penned a letter to President Biden expressing no confidence in Magnus and urging he be removed from his position.
Magnus, who has faced criticism for his management style, said he previously pulled a “retention” bonus for the head of Border Patrol, Raul Ortiz, because Ortiz “did not share his philosophy and approach to reforms,” the Los Angeles Times wrote.
Mayorkas ordered Magnus not to attend a meeting in El Paso for border patrol chiefs. Magnus stated that he went despite Mayorkas’ demands.
“After me making extensive attempts to reach [Mayorkas] and discuss the matter, I went to the meeting so I could engage with the chiefs on various issues and concerns. I also met with Chief Ortiz to see how we might best work together moving forward,” Magnus said.
Magnus stated that John Tien, the second in command at DHS, told him that he would be removed from his position within the next few days if he refused to quit. According to Politico, Mayorkas has already shifted Magnus’ responsibilities to Tien and deputy CBP Commissioner Troy Miller.
Politico reported in October that six of Magnus’ colleagues complained that he had fallen asleep during multiple meetings. Magnus blamed his tiredness on his multiple sclerosis. He was also criticized for missing White House meetings about the border, being unengaged in his work, and speaking negatively about other agencies and colleagues.
“He’s not in the game,” one internal critic told the news outlet. “Every time there’s a meeting and he’s in it, we’ll get to a conclusion and Magnus will have some sidebar issue that he wants to raise and we’re all like, ‘What the f*** is that about?'”
Magnus, a former Tucson and Richmond, California, police chief with over 40 years of law enforcement experience, started working for the DHS in December.
The DHS and the White House declined to comment on the matter, Politico reported.