Biden Nominees for Key DHS Posts Advance

President Biden’s nominees to fill key roles within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are advancing in the Senate. The Senate confirmed Ur Jaddou as the new director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on July 30 on a 47-34 party-line vote. Nineteen Senators were not present at the vote.

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said of her confirmation, “Ur has two decades of experience in immigration law, policy, and administration. She will administer our Nation’s immigration system fairly and justly. As the daughter of hard-working immigrants, Ur understands how immigrant families enrich our country and the challenges they face.”

Texas Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, President Biden’s pick to lead Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) moved closer to confirmation as the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee voted 7-6 on Wednesday to advance his nomination.

Sheriff Gonzalez faced heavy pushback at his nomination hearing before the HSGAC committee. Specifically, Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) had qualms with Sheriff Gonzalez’s decision to end cooperation with ICE while the Sheriff was in charge of Harris County, TX. Sheriff Gonzalez responded that this was largely due to budget cuts and other constraints, as previously reported by FEDagent.

On July 27, 2021, President Biden announced that he will nominate William Valdez for undersecretary for management at the Department of Homeland Security and Erik Hooks for deputy administrator at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Secretary Mayorkas said of the two nominations, “Bill Valdez and Erik Hooks are distinguished leaders and recognized experts in their respective fields. They are well positioned to help the Department of Homeland Security address the diverse and urgent challenges facing communities across our country. I hope the Senate will swiftly confirm both of these leaders and our other nominees.”