Acting U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Mark Morgan announced Friday that Rodney Scott, a veteran of the department, will be the new U.S. Border Patrol chief.

"As a 27-year veteran of the Border Patrol, Chief Scott has earned the respect and admiration of agents, colleagues and partners alike," Morgan said in a statement.

"Chief Scott brings an exceptional depth and breadth of experience and knowledge about the border security mission and a commitment to service to the nation and the Border Patrol workforce," Morgan added.

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Scott was most recently head of the Border Patrol's San Diego Sector, which Morgan described as "one of the most diverse, complex, and challenging operational environments in the country."

Morgan also said that Scott was the "embodiment of the U.S. Border Patrol’s motto, 'Honor First.'"

Scott will replace Carla Provost, who is retiring as head of the Border Patrol, which has about 19,000 agents.

The Border Patrol has been under fire as the Trump administration has implemented stricter immigration measures, including over conditions at detention centers for migrants.