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 recently the 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.
He also will have to contend with legal challenges to new Biden administration border policies, which are designed to deter people from crossing into the United States illegally.
Persons:
Biden, Jason Owens, Raul Ortiz, Owens
Organizations:
Border Patrol, Del, Patrol
Locations:
Del Rio, Texas, South, Central America, United States