The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Friday fired a senior official with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on following an internal determination that the individual had allegedly disclosed sensitive information to members of the press.
According to a report from Fox News, which cited unnamed sources within the department, the official was removed from their CBP office in Washington, D.C., and escorted out of the building. The termination stemmed from allegations that the official leaked two categories of sensitive material: personal information pertaining to CBP personnel and details related to negotiations concerning the border wall.
The sources indicated that the decision was influenced by concerns over elevated security risks to federal law enforcement personnel. The outlet further noted a reported increase in threats against border agents, with one mention of death threats surging significantly nationwide, though specific figures or timeframes for the increase were not detailed in available coverage.
The identity of the terminated official has not been publicly disclosed by DHS, CBP, or in the initial reporting on the matter. No official statement from DHS or CBP naming the individual or providing further details on the investigation has been released as of this report.
Leaks reportedly involved “sensitive, personal information about CBP personnel, as well as negotiations regarding the border wall to the press.” Sources further stated that the action was taken “after it was revealed that the officer was allegedly leaking” such information.
This incident occurs amid broader tensions related to immigration enforcement, personnel safety, and information security within DHS components, including CBP. Separate but unrelated events in early 2026 involved data exposures affecting ICE and Border Patrol personnel (such as alleged whistleblower disclosures to external sites) and officer-involved incidents in Minneapolis, but those do not directly connect to the senior CBP official’s termination for media leaks.
Federal employees, particularly those handling classified or sensitive but unclassified information, are bound by rules prohibiting unauthorized disclosures under numerous statutes, as well as agency-specific policies on media contacts and data protection. Violations can result in administrative actions ranging from suspension to termination, and in some cases, criminal charges.
