In what US Secretary Chief Kirstjen Nielsen calls “an honour of a lifetime,” to work with the department, Ms Nielsen has resigned. She enforced some of President Trump’s border policies that aroused controversy.
However, she would be temporarily replaced by Kevin McAleenan, the Customs and Border Protection Commissioner according to Trump’s tweet.
Ms Nielsen was behind implementing the proposed border wall and the separation of migrant families.
Here is a tweet she put out to announce her decision.
Sec. Kirstjen Nielsen (@SecNielsen)
“Its been an honor of a lifetime to serve with the brave men and women of @DHSgov. I could not be prouder of and more humbled by their service, dedication, and commitment to keep our country safe from all threats and hazards.”
Her resignation announcement comes just days after Trump visited the southern border.
Trump has promised a year extension for Mexico to stop drugs and migrants crossing into the United States, although he originally threatened shut the border.
And in the face of strong condemnation and questioning, Ms Nielsen defended the border policies such as holding children in enclosures.
But she brushed off the demonstration, tweeting that she would “work tirelessly” to fix the “broken immigration system”.
And although the public say that she has been loyal to the administration, it appears that her relationship with Trump was difficult.
Kirstjen Nielsen reportedly had been on thin ice in the Trump administration for more than a year. Her closest ally, former Chief of Staff John Kelly, exited the White House in December.