Quote:President Biden's nomination to lead the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency, Tuscon police chief Chris Magnus, is being widely criticized and called unfit for the role by "immigration hawks."

Magnus's confirmation hearing is set at the Senate on Tuesday. A pitched battle of words is expected at that time, as critics are already making it clear that they are unhappy with the pick, and Border Patrol agents are considering early retirement.

According to Fox News, skeptical voices have been raised against Magnus because of his support for non-compliance with orders under the previous Trump administration. Because of this, immigration hawks are worried that this represents another move towards an "open borders" policy.

Most notably, Magnus has shown himself to be in support of the "sanctuary city" policy, where city governments and police departments act in pro of illegal migrants, at times against official orders. He's also been blasted for his opposition to stricter border policies by the Trump administration.

Back in 2017, Magnus, who then was and now is a police chief in Tucson, Arizona, wrote the following for The New York Times: "As the police chief here, I'm deeply troubled by the Trump administration's campaign against 'sanctuary cities,' which refuse to turn over undocumented immigrants to federal authorities."

"Tucson has come too far to jeopardize reforms that strengthen relationships with the public we serve. Department grants and other federal support funded through our taxes should not be tied to immigration policies," Magnus wrote.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas fully supports Magnus's nomination, saying in a statement: "I am excited that President Biden has nominated an extraordinary group of individuals for critical leadership positions in the Department of Homeland Security,"

"They are highly regarded and accomplished professionals with deep experience in their respective fields. Together they will help advance the Department of Homeland Security’s mission to ensure the safety and security of the American people. I look forward to working with the Senate in support of their swift confirmation," Mayorkas said as Magnus and other picks were announced.