For Immediate Release
DHS Press Office
Contact: 202-282-8010
Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske and I are pleased to announce the selection of Mr. Kevin K. McAleenan as the Deputy Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Mr. McAleenan is an innovative, dynamic, and mission-driven leader with more than 20 years of border security, legal, and international experience and who we have relied on to protect this great Nation.
Mr. McAleenan has served as the Acting Deputy Commissioner of CBP, an agency within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) since April 1, 2013. He has been instrumental in the development and implementation of a comprehensive anti-terrorism strategy related to border security. From January 2012 to March 2013, Mr. McAleenan served as the Acting Assistant Commissioner of CBP’s Office of Field Operations, where he was responsible for leading the agency’s port security and facilitation operations. From July 2010 to January 2012, he served as the Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Field Operations, which is the largest component in CBP responsible for securing the U.S. border at ports of entry, while expediting lawful trade and travel. In this role, Mr. McAleenan oversaw CBP’s antiterrorism, immigration, anti-smuggling, trade compliance, and agriculture protection operations at 20 major field offices, 329 ports of entry, and 70 international locations in more than 40 countries.
Prior to assuming these positions with CBP Field Operations, Mr. McAleenan held several key positions at CBP and the former U.S. Customs Service, including Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Port Director, from 2006 to 2008 where he directed CBP’s border security operations at LAX and 17 other airport facilities. He also served as Executive Director of Anti-Terrorism from 2003 to 2006, where he coordinated CBP policies, programs, and operations to ensure that CBP maximized its antiterrorism efforts within the Federal law enforcement community, national intelligence community, and homeland security structure.
Mr. McAleenan received the DHS Secretary’s Award (Silver Medal) for Meritorious Service in 2014; and the Service to America Medals, Call to Service Award in 2005.
Prior to his Government service, Mr. McAleenan practiced law in California. He received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Chicago Law School after earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Amherst College.
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