Chris Magnus is an American law enforcement official who served as the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) from December 2021 to November 2022. Prior to his federal appointment, he had an extensive career in municipal policing, serving as the police chief in Tucson, Arizona; Richmond, California; and Fargo, North Dakota.
Early Life and Education Magnus earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Michigan State University and a master's degree in labor relations from the University of Toledo. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy.
Career
Fargo Police Department (1999–2006) Magnus began his tenure as a police chief in Fargo, North Dakota. During his time there, he focused on community policing initiatives and addressing issues of crime prevention in a growing city.
Richmond Police Department (2006–2015) As Chief of Police in Richmond, California, a city historically challenged by high crime rates, Magnus was recognized for implementing innovative community-oriented policing strategies. He emphasized building trust between the police force and the city's diverse communities, which was credited with contributing to a significant reduction in violent crime. He gained national attention in 2014 when he was photographed holding a "Black Lives Matter" sign during a protest, an action that drew both praise and criticism.
Tucson Police Department (2016–2021) Magnus served as Chief of Police for the Tucson Police Department in Arizona. His leadership continued to focus on community engagement and transparency. During his tenure, he also navigated various challenges, including protests against police brutality and debates over immigration enforcement in a border state.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner (2021–2022) In April 2021, President Joe Biden nominated Magnus to lead U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the largest federal law enforcement agency within the Department of Homeland Security. He was confirmed by the Senate in December 2021, becoming the first openly gay CBP Commissioner.
As Commissioner, Magnus was responsible for securing U.S. borders while facilitating legitimate trade and travel. His tenure was marked by significant challenges at the southern border, including increased migrant encounters and policy debates surrounding immigration. He emphasized addressing the root causes of migration, enhancing officer training, and improving humanitarian responses.
Magnus resigned from his position in November 2022, following reports of clashes with other Department of Homeland Security officials and allegations of poor communication and low morale within CBP leadership. His departure was contentious, with Magnus alleging political motivations behind calls for his resignation.