By Steve Neavling
Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security John Tien announced Tuesday that he’s retiring on July 20 after two years in the position.
Tien, a 24-year Army veteran, is the latest high-profile leader to leave the agency.
“At the heart of Deputy Secretary Tien’s work has been his dedication to our single greatest resource: all of you,” Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in a news release. “As our Chief Operating Officer, he has advanced our organizational priorities, including strengthening our training programs, leading the execution of unprecedented hiring initiatives, advancing our departmental budget, improving our facilities, and re-empowering our employee associations. He has participated in more than 200 employee engagements, having visited colleagues in 14 states and 4 countries. He is, and always will be, a stalwart champion of our personnel.”
In May, Border Patrol Chief Paul Ortiz announced his retirement. Earlier this month, acting ICE Director Tae Johnson announced he was stepping down.
CBP Chris Magnus stepped down last year following pressure for his resignation.
“Deputy Secretary Tien – John – has inspired us and led with strength, character, and kindness,” Mayorkas said. “He understands the needs and aspirations of the people whom he leads, and it is those needs and aspirations that guide his focus and his actions. And, ultimately, he is guided by the bedrock of his life of service: doing what is best for America.”
It wasn’t immediately clear when Tien’s replacement would be announced.
