U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kirstjen M. Nielsen submitted her resignation yesterday, following a meeting with President Donald Trump.
Officially, its last day is April 10.
In its resignation letter, Nielsen wrote:
"Despite our progress in reforming national security for a new era, I have decided that the time is right for me to leave office....I hope the next secretary has the support of Congress and the courts to correct laws that have obstructed our ability to fully protect America's borders and have contributed to discord in the debate in our nation."
Secretary Nielsen was in office for 16 months. During this time, she implemented the Trump administration's immigration policies, including the separation of children from their parents detained at the border, which have been criticized by the opposition and pro-immigrant social groups.
Kevin K. McAleenan, the current commissioner of Customs and Border Protection, will become acting secretary of DHS.
McAleenan has held that position since March 20, 2018.
