Tucson Border Patrol Chief Takes Charge in D.C. to Oversee CBP Operations

John Modlin has been promoted to chief operating officer for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) after heading the Border Patrol’s Tucson Sector. He officially took on this new role last month, with Sean McGoffin, previously the head of the Yuma Sector, stepping in as the new chief on October 23.

The leadership transition was announced through social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram. McGoffin, who was appointed to lead the Yuma Sector last December, brings experience from managing Montana’s Havre Sector.

In his new role, Modlin is expected to enhance the agency’s capacity to manage the evolving challenges at the border. CBP officials emphasized that he will focus on equipping frontline agents with necessary personnel, tools, and information. On October 19, Modlin confirmed his relocation to Washington D.C. via an Instagram post.

Since taking charge as chief patrol agent in November 2020, Modlin oversaw more than 3,100 Border Patrol agents and nearly 400 staff, covering 262 miles of the Arizona-Mexico border. Under his guidance, apprehensions surged from approximately 180,000 to over 460,000 in the past fiscal year, which concluded in September. Notably, December alone saw over 80,000 apprehensions, involving families and children fleeing dire conditions in search of asylum in the U.S.

Last year, Tucson Sector agents accounted for 463,567 apprehensions, including over 216,000 families and approximately 28,000 unaccompanied minors. However, these numbers have drastically declined, dropping 86% to just 11,055 apprehensions in September.

Modlin expressed pride in the dedication of Tucson sector agents, highlighting that Border Patrol nationally apprehended nearly 1.2 million individuals last year. He arrived at the Tucson Sector as COVID-19 infections were escalating, a challenging period that claimed the lives of five agents during his tenure.

Among those lost were three Tucson Sector agents who died from COVID-19, alongside others involved in vehicle accidents. Overall, the pandemic resulted in the loss of more than 40 CBP personnel, including 16 Border Patrol agents.

Modlin initiated a pilot program during the summer of 2022 aimed at assisting migrants suffering from heat-related illnesses, subsequently expanding it to almost 500 agents in Arizona. Moreover, agents conducted nearly 28,000 rescue operations last year, often placing themselves in hazardous situations to assist those in need.

Despite facing criticism over the treatment of personal belongings during apprehensions, Modlin pointed out that the Tucson Sector has made strides in addressing border crimes. Since April 2020, the agency has successfully pursued an average of 1,000 federal cases per month against smugglers and other offenders, totaling over 40,000 cases in the last four years.

As he departs, Modlin remains optimistic about the future of the Tucson Sector. “I look forward to the unbelievable work and accomplishments yet to come for Tucson sector agents and staff,” he stated.

Upon taking over the Tucson Sector, McGoffin expressed his honor in returning to where he began his Border Patrol career 28 years ago. He emphasized the importance of relationships in safeguarding Southern Arizona and pledged commitment to securing the border and ensuring community safety.