The Commissioner for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Robert Bonner, has submitted notification of his retirement to President Bush. In order to allow for a smooth transition, his retirement date has not been determined.
Bonner was confirmed by the Senate on Sept. 19, 2001 and was sworn in as the 17th commissioner of U.S. Customs on Sept. 24. When the Department of Homeland Security was established, he oversaw the merger of three separate agencies and 42,000 employees into a unified border agency. The agency, which is charged with securing ports of entry and border crossings, has introduced many new regulations, compliance programs and industry partnerships in the transportation industry since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
“I appreciate the commitment and service he has shown in directing our border security efforts,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff. “His guidance and efforts have been instrumental in balancing our need to preserve the integrity of our borders without sacrificing the free flow of commerce on which our nation and the global community depends.”
