Senate Finance Committee Hearing to Consider Rodney Scott Name to become a commissioner Customs and Border Security We started with fireworks from the top Democrats on the panel.
Scott was condemned by Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden for a controversy involving a person who died in CBP custody in 2010. Criticism urged a letter from Homeland Security on Tuesday Secretary Christy Noem.
“The U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Commissioner is like a point guard for everything the U.S. government does at our border,” Wyden said at the start of the hearing Wednesday.
“People who hold this job should have deep experience both in practice and in protecting our borders and in unconscious judgment. Today’s hearing is to determine whether Rodney Scott has that experience and determine the strength of his personality that is trusted in one of the most important jobs in the federal government,” he said.
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CBP nominee Rodney Scott, left, Senator Ron Wyden (Getty)
Democrats then delved into details of the detention and death of Anastacio Hernandez Rojas, who was allegedly beaten while in CBP custody in 2010, when Scott was the best official in his San Diego office.
Wyden argued that Scott’s office “recorded the only video copy” of the man’s death, and tampered with evidence by citing court documents.
He then referenced a letter he sent to the Norm for documents relating to the Rojas case.
The request drove Noem to write a poignant response to the Oregon Democrats, calling for a minority’s uninformed explanation of the role of Scott’s alleged reaction in the 2010 investigation into the death of Anastasio Hernandez Rojas. [which] It was infuriating and aggressive to read. ”
“This response aims to correct the records and make it clear that Scott is a dedicated and honorable civil servant,” she said.
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Homeland Security Secretary Christi Noem will visit the Port of Mariposa in Nogales, Arizona on March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
“Contrary to what your letter explains, Mr. Scott did not interfere with the investigation and did not take any steps to conceal the facts from investigators.”
“Scott’s 29 years of service with the US Border Patrol provides him with a hands-on experience overseeing one of the world’s largest and most important law enforcement agencies.
“President Trump justly prioritizes border guards and recognizes the need for effective leadership at CBP. Scott is very qualified for the job at hand, and the president has made the best choice to nominate him for this position.”
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Krapo, R-Idaho, later offered Scott the opportunity to deal with Wyden.
Scott said he was not involved in Rojas’ detention and he was not nearby when it happened.
Asked about the controversial subpoena in the case, he said it was to seek Rojas’ intelligence gathering and medical records since his death in federal custody.
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Senator Mike Krapo gesture during a press conference. (Getty)
“It’s definitely not,” Scott replied later.
“Secretary… Noem responded to the request and cited official investigations and laws, and the ministerial work of Mr. Scott after his death – including approving a subpoena requesting medical records provided to the San Diego Police Department – was in line with his duties, laws and occupational standards,” Crapoe said, criticizing the allegations.
