Top border official resigns under pressure after historic bad year of illegal migration

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Chris Magnus resigned Saturday night under pressure from President Biden and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, vacating a crucial post just two months before a new Congress is seated. 

The White House announced the departure just days after Magnus was ordered to resign or be fired. He initially resisted but bent on Saturday.

Officials said that Deputy CBP Commissioner Troy Miller will be acting leader effective immediately.

“President Biden appreciates Commissioner Magnus’ nearly 40 years of service and the contributions he made to police reform during his tenure as police chief in three U.S. cities.  The President thanks Mr. Magnus for his service at CBP and wishes him well," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.

The kind words masked a bitter behind the scenes campaign to force Magnus out after one of the worst illegal migration years in American history. 

More than 2.4 million illegal aliens were encountered crossing the border, 600,000 got away, and 850 died trying. In addition, 98 illegal aliens with suspected terrorist ties were caught trying to enter the U.S southern border.