Statement by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff

Release Date: 09/28/05 00:00:00

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
September 28, 2005

Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff issued the following statement today on the retirement of Commissioner for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Robert C. Bonner.

“Rob Bonner has been an integral part of the Department of Homeland Security leadership team since its inception. I’ve known Rob for many years; he is an outstanding public servant and will be greatly missed here at the Department. I appreciate the commitment and service he has shown in directing our border security efforts. His guidance and efforts have been instrumental in balancing our need to preserve the integrity of our borders without sacrificing the free flow of commerce on which our nation and the global community depends. Thanks to his efforts we have greatly enhanced the capabilities of this Department to achieve our vision of a more secure and better protected nation.”

Commissioner Bonner submitted notification of his retirement to President George W. Bush earlier this week. In order to allow for a smooth transition, his retirement date has not yet been determined.

Bonner was confirmed by the Senate on September 19, 2001 and was sworn in as the 17th Commissioner of U.S. Customs on September 24, 2001. When the Department of Homeland Security was established, he oversaw the merger of three separate agencies and 42,000 employees into an effective, unified border agency.

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