[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},"mediaId",6255105,"mediaKeyId","3168135-efbc2cc17ef463d874aae42c1fe277a6","parentId",3168135,"title","Senators question Rodney Scott on social-media conduct, detainee transparency and rapid-DNA testing for trafficking","audioSeconds",1947,"startMs",3058000,"endMs",5005000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3168135-efbc2cc17ef463d874aae42c1fe277a6&start=3058&end=5005","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3168135-efbc2cc17ef463d874aae42c1fe277a6/thumbnail_3058000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6255105/Senators-question-Rodney-Scott-on-social-media-conduct-detainee-transparency-and-rapid-DNA-testing-for-trafficking","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6255105-e7c3d5c9b7fd3cb5522d1375d2ed8148/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150565&Signature=cgtfeFKvo0E4X8ifZF0TInjX9i0AUUk2xVB2Md3wzO3HfW4yNoH2ghn64Zb3hIr8Fa914eznvEjTxeOALIYehodnmPs-wVcYz1kAMZD7ssmp0DE6eY139hi7holzvz9w1LHywPiH3NIO-VTqyfSf8CehukLJrPu2NhU8QmCXtzMXp-WfrhsEyOujfltwbgCXBBZ8-PWDHBO~gK89aJpqCkbpTS0vNxjWXYL0MNuOZhpsASMQRBFoIPpmLg~5WZvJCZjgom3b0BZxTnJJos7oO2s~2VuXOgotNNsp-UZp7cNTVfJx~gGEIi-UUXZrI1bzQDPrgchzFN7ppqSY6IeTXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","U.S. Senate Committee on Finance","date","2025-04-30T00:00:00Z","article","Senators on the Finance Committee used confirmation questioning of Rodney Scott to press him on personal conduct, transparency in CBP custody, and tools to combat trafficking.

Social media and conduct: Sen. Ron Wyden and others raised Scott’s past membership in a private Facebook group where racist and sexually explicit material circulated. Wyden asked whether it was appropriate for a senior official to be a member of that group. Scott said he was a member, that the group had some 9,000 members and that a small number of people had posted inappropriate material. He said many members did not see the posts, that the group was investigated, and that some individuals were disciplined or fired. On a separate matter, Wyden cited a 2021 tweet from Scott aimed at a critic; Wyden said a judge called the tweet a \"classic **** threat.\" Scott told senators he had apologized in person to the woman and, he said, \"I did not mean for it to come across that way.\"

Detainee transparency and phone access: Sen. Elizabeth Warren and others asked whether CBP would permit people in custody to contact family and counsel promptly. Warren said families and lawyers sometimes could not find detainees for hours or days. Scott said he \"commits to transparency and sharing that information consistent with law and policy as quickly as possible,\" but declined to pledge a fixed timeline because CBP often processes and transfers people to other facilities and lacks detention infrastructure in many areas. He said the situation had improved since earlier periods when mass encounters overwhelmed processing capacity.

Rapid DNA and child-trafficking detection: Sen. Marsha Blackburn described past use of rapid DNA testing at ports of entry to determine whether children traveling with adults were related; she said past testing had identified trafficking in a significant fraction of cases and urged that the tests be restored. Scott said when he was chief of the Border Patrol he supported rapid DNA testing and that he would \"do everything I can to get those tools back in place,\" because children in trafficking situations are highly vulnerable.

Sensitive locations: Sen. Raphael Warnock and others asked whether CBP would carry out immigration enforcement at sensitive locations such as churches, schools and hospitals. Scott said he would make decisions on a case-by-case basis and would \"have conversations with the community,\" adding that if other locations are available for enforcement actions, those should be used. He declined to provide a blanket prohibition.

Where it stands: Scott apologized for the tweet and described steps taken in response to Facebook-group incidents when he said he learned of them. He promised to push for transparency consistent with law and policy and to restore tools such as rapid DNA to help detect trafficking. Several senators said they would continue oversight to ensure commitments are met.

Ending: The committee entered several letters and documents into the record and requested follow-up materials; senators emphasized that conduct, transparency, and protection of vulnerable people would remain subjects of further inquiry.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Hearing to Consider the Nomination of Rodney Scott, of Oklahoma, to be Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security, vice Chris Magnus","oneSentenceSummary","Senators on the Finance Committee used confirmation questioning of Rodney Scott to press him on personal conduct, transparency in CBP custody, and tools to combat trafficking.","taxTitle","Finance: Senate Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation, Legislative, Federal","taxId",1993,"location","","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6255110,"Nominee Rodney Scott emphasizes people, technology and infrastructure to 'secure the border' in Senate hearing",5011,2522000,7533000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3168135-efbc2cc17ef463d874aae42c1fe277a6&start=2522&end=7533","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3168135-efbc2cc17ef463d874aae42c1fe277a6/thumbnail_2522000.jpg","/articles/6255110/Nominee-Rodney-Scott-emphasizes-people-technology-and-infrastructure-to-secure-the-border-in-Senate-hearing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6255110-15499fa67aec0b5aa908ec058ff8b544/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150565&Signature=N-M4F0x89uZv56Wz9sGbsbnCSUigoQDPr9TfWY4DVoSkbySSPpgl5WXv6tik-TgtWEn3ScDP51QKdBgts2M~UJDIFWIlxLaSJRnj0vYKWl4uiFVqWb8dRhx1Cgww6qw~eGvv1x6Gyf-wxrIsEVWA7gbPSz4~NS6LcqBNgBjVDG2qEF3l2DFoshH628B~3Z0xtF3ZyPyo-iEKIkE0H5b4urp5cbHg6ws0WwHXcLuogURycvJLuLPSk8mcrf4ld4WQ~EkLU-~p1Gu0iNOi2bVbqq19rAgzEpXOIAZ7d0m8hunasNpnegFPwOn3Fdu6oCkhRq4Rd~xHLoz8MG9MtPSzhQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rodney Scott told the Senate Finance Committee that his blueprint for Customs and Border Protection centers on people, technology and infrastructure as the path to stronger border security and smoother trade.

In his opening statement, Scott described a long career with the Border Patrol and said, \"If confirmed, I will drive actions to ensure the CBP workforce has the training, resources, and the policies to excel in every aspect of the mission and to do so safely.\" He framed border security as national security and said he would \"encourage innovation, modernize processes, and enhance efficiencies.\"

Why it matters: Senators from both parties stressed that CBP must simultaneously secure the border and facilitate lawful trade and travel. Several members pressed Scott for specifics about inspection technology, port infrastructure, staffing, and how to measure returns on investments.

Technology and inspections: Scott told senators that nonintrusive inspection (NII) equipment and better data-driven targeting are central to his plan. He said ramping up NII and related AI tools would detect anomalies and free officers \"to do what only a human being can do,\" such as face-to-face interviews that can identify trafficking victims.

On the question of whether 100% screening would make the country more secure, Scott said in theory it would, but \"there's always trade offs about the amount of money invested in the amount of time and the risk\" and that Congress would have to fund substantial footprint changes at some ports of entry.

Infrastructure and ROI: Scott cited a San Diego sector test of the border wall system as an example: the system \"freed up 150 agents every 24 hours\" in a 12-mile section and produced what he described as a \"$28,000,000 return on investment for the life cycle of that border wall.\" He said similar calculations should guide requests for ports and technology.

Customs experience and small-business concerns: Sen. Ron Wyden and others noted Scott's long Border Patrol background and questioned his direct experience with customs facilitation, saying customs leadership affects small businesses and supply chains. Wyden asked whether Scott could ensure legal trade moves smoothly without undue delay; Scott acknowledged limits in his customs experience and committed to work with the committee and agency trade offices to prioritize trade facilitation if confirmed.

Ports and regional questions: Sen. Ben Ray Luján asked why Santa Teresa, N.M., had not been prioritized for infrastructure improvements given its rising trade role. Scott said that as a policy adviser he did not have that level of detail but pledged to reevaluate infrastructure priorities if confirmed. Multiple senators urged better staffing and expanded port hours, particularly on the northern border and in rural states.

De minimis shipments and targeting: Sen. John Cornyn raised vulnerabilities tied to the de minimis threshold for parcels valued under $800. Scott said the National Targeting Center and better advance data from trade partners are critical to target high-risk shipments without paralyzing legitimate commerce.

Where it stands: Scott repeatedly promised to supply information to senators and to tie future budget and program requests directly to measurable border-security outcomes. He did not receive a committee vote at the conclusion of the hearing.

Ending: Senators criticized gaps in documentation on specific past incidents but largely engaged Scott on operational priorities; senators left open further oversight and requests for precise resource and program-level detail.","Rodney Scott told the Senate Finance Committee that his blueprint for Customs and Border Protection centers on people, technology and infrastructure as the path to stronger border security and smoother trade.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6255114,"Senate Finance Committee presses nominee Rodney Scott for documents on 2010 CBP custody death",1631,1640000,8336,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3168135-efbc2cc17ef463d874aae42c1fe277a6&start=1640&end=8","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3168135-efbc2cc17ef463d874aae42c1fe277a6/thumbnail_1640000.jpg","/articles/6255114/Senate-Finance-Committee-presses-nominee-Rodney-Scott-for-documents-on-2010-CBP-custody-death","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6255114-be4606dfc1f5f970786ff5b29ae81e95/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150565&Signature=Wa18yCFnQAOnstlUKuX8Sf1E14qNxKG89IJD0XUEP4aYGC1wGbmFXEn4VkxZJ6GMC~TDAGDW2R4KvfnySN31SZh1b~x96Bk25-Os1xeK4t8G1nUCWAUszyBx21LXzvi5iCmeDRp~HbF9ylTIjrUjjZfv10rvd3whxohxnl2ukDmzPsFD11uPB5kc4i~Ih9U3MsdqTu9dz3VpDloOhcZp8J8Y4hEOzAOzJU2fAZUkqSkisGS9e6sd-AKzq9I-0EShp2-11i4VX-c74IMUDtRhyHj7HNCj3XpPnLTkK1Fi6dY2yFqCj2ptxoWn1i5pNDV1Q99DL-uXFMkPrAKcN6Q11g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rodney Scott, President Trump’s nominee to lead U.S. Customs and Border Protection, faced repeated calls at a Senate Finance Committee hearing for documents and fuller explanations about a 2010 death in CBP custody at the San Ysidro port of entry.

The committee’s top Democrat, Sen. Ron Wyden, said the department had provided a one-paragraph defense from Secretary Kristi Noem but produced none of the underlying records he requested. \"The secretary responded with a letter that said Mr. Scott was basically a perfect angel and all the allegations against him are false, but produced 0 documents that I requested to back it up,\" Wyden said during his opening remarks.

Why it matters: Wyden and other senators said records are necessary to evaluate whether Scott’s administrative actions during the Hernandez Rojas investigation were appropriate and lawful. Wyden and other senators pointed to a letter from a former senior CBP internal affairs official, James Wong, who wrote the committee raising \"grave concerns\" about how that investigation was handled and calling it a cover-up.

Committee chair Sen. Mike Crapo read aloud a letter from Secretary Noem in which he summarized the department’s position: \"Contrary to what has been alleged, Mr. Scott did not impede any investigation nor did he take steps to conceal facts from investigators. No less than 7 local and federal investigatory bodies reviewed the circumstances of Mr. Hernandez Rojas' death, and none found any evidence of actions that were inconsistent with law, regulation, or policy,\" Crapo said, reading the letter into the record.

Crapo also summarized the administration and agency findings that the San Diego Police Department and the FBI brought no criminal charges, that the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division declined prosecution, and that the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General found the force used was consistent with policy in effect at the time.

Wyden emphasized that those summaries were insufficient without the underlying case files and sought the specific documents that would show how the subpoena Mr. Scott signed was used in the inquiry. Scott told the committee he signed an administrative subpoena \"for information gathering\"—specifically medical records—\"because the individual was in our custody when the injury and the death occurred\" and said he did not interfere with the investigation.

Committee members also referenced other contested episodes in Scott’s record. Wyden noted a 2021 tweet by Scott responding to criticism from a former border-patrol agent; Wyden said a judge described the message as a \"classic **** threat.\" Scott said at the hearing that he had met with the woman, apologized in person and before witnesses, and that he did not intend a threat.

During the hearing the committee was informed that the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights had released a document reviewing the Hernandez Rojas family’s allegations; senators said they would make that material available to members.

What the committee asked for: Wyden repeated a request for the documents underlying Secretary Noem’s letter and said his office remains \"in the dark\" on whether the subpoena Scott signed was legal and appropriate. \"We can't carry out our responsibilities to do oversight when that's the case,\" Wyden said.

Scott’s position: Scott answered the committee’s four standard pre-hearing questions in the affirmative and told senators he had not participated in detaining Hernandez Rojas, had not served as a critical-incident investigator in that case, and that he signed the subpoena upon advice of counsel. He said he did not impede the investigation.

Where it stands: No vote occurred at the hearing. Wyden said his door remains open to additional materials and that senators would consider how to proceed after reviewing any documents provided by DHS. The hearing record will include the letters and materials entered by members at the hearing, including Secretary Noem’s response and the letter the ranking member said he received from the former internal affairs official.

Ending: Senators on both sides urged the department to produce the underlying records to allow the committee to evaluate Scott’s fitness for the post. Wyden said he would await the documents before deciding whether to support or oppose further action on the nomination.","Rodney Scott, President Trump’s nominee to lead U.S. Customs and Border Protection, faced repeated calls at a Senate Finance Committee hearing for documents and fuller explanations about a 2010 death in CBP custody at the San Ysidro port of entry.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Senators question Rodney Scott on social-media conduct, detainee transparency and rapid-DNA testing for trafficking

Nominee Rodney Scott emphasizes people, technology and infrastructure to 'secure the border' in Senate hearing

Senate Finance Committee presses nominee Rodney Scott for documents on 2010 CBP custody death