Biden Names New Border Patrol Chief as Immigration Policies Come Under Scrutiny
The New York Times Jason Owens has been the leader of the Del Rio division in Texas, one of the busiest areas for illegal crossings in the past few years.
President Biden named a new Border Patrol chief on Friday as U.S. immigration policies have come under renewed scrutiny following the end of Title 42, a pandemic-era restriction that allowed the authorities to expel most migrants for more than three years.
Jason Owens, who has served in the Border Patrol for more than 20 years, was most recentlythe leader of the Del Rio division in Texas, which handles one of the busiest areas for illegal crossings. He succeeds Raul Ortiz, who is set to retire at the end of the month after serving 32 years in the Border Patrol.
Mr. Owens takes over at a time when illegal crossings have decreased. Although the numbers have gonedownin the weeks since Title 42 was lifted in May, officials expect the number of crossings to rise again this summer, because they are aware of thousands of migrants who are now making their way through South and Central America with plans to go to the United States.
