U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) marked the 236th anniversary of the U.S. Customs Service, recognized as the oldest federal law enforcement agency in the United States. The observance comes shortly after Rodney S. Scott was appointed as CBP Commissioner, becoming the first former U.S. Border Patrol agent to lead the agency.
Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security, administered the oath to Scott during a ceremony at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., on July 23. “He's taking this oath at probably the most important time in our history,” said Noem. “A time when our threats are greater than they've ever been and they come from many different directions and many different agendas, but in the short six months that we have been here and this administration has been in place, we have seen a secure border and enforcement operations that uphold the rule of law again. Daily border encounters have dropped by nearly 93%, and in May and June, Border Patrol released zero illegal aliens into our country, which is the first time that has happened.”
Scott addressed CBP employees at the event: “The number one reason I agreed to come back as the commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection is so that I could fight for you,” he said. “I am fully, fully committed. What that really means to me is I am committed to being your advocate. I’m going to fight on behalf of you and on behalf of the mission.”
Scott was confirmed by the Senate on June 18 and now oversees more than 67,000 employees with a $19 billion budget. He began his career with Border Patrol in 1992 at Imperial Beach Station and has held leadership positions including Chief Patrol Agent in two sectors, Chief of U.S. Border Patrol, as well as roles at CBP Headquarters focused on anti-terrorism and incident management.
“In the early days of CBP,” Scott stated, “we used to always say one team, one fight... I can’t tell you how extremely proud and humbled I am that I have been asked to come back and stand side by side with each one of you... and really, truly make America safe once again.”
The U.S. Customs Service was established in 1789 primarily to collect duties on imported goods—a role central to American sovereignty and economic development over its history. In 2003 it became part of CBP under the Department of Homeland Security framework.
Today’s CBP continues its mission through several branches: U.S. Border Patrol handles ground security; Air and Marine Operations monitor airspace; while Office of Field Operations manages ports-of-entry—together securing borders while supporting lawful trade and travel.
CBP describes itself as America's frontline—the largest law enforcement organization nationally—and notes its global distinction as a unified border management agency responsible for protecting land borders, airspace, coastal waters while facilitating legitimate commerce.
For further information about local or regional social media accounts related to CBP activities or updates visit their official platforms.
