Donald Trump's transition team formally announced on Monday that the president-elect had selected retired four-star Marine Corps Gen. John Kelly to lead the Department of Homeland Security.
Kelly, a Gold Star father whose son was killed in combat in Afghanistan six years ago, formerly headed the U.S. Southern Command, overseeing the military in the Caribbean and Central and South America, which includes the Guantanamo Bay military prison. His post as commander also exposed him to immigration and drug-trafficking problems pertinent among those regions, the New York Times reported.
Trump said in a statement Kelly's military service and commitment "to fighting the threat of terrorism" in the U.S. makes him an "ideal" pick to lead the DHS.
"He is the right person to spearhead the urgent mission of stopping illegal immigration and securing our borders, streamlining TSA and improving coordination between our intelligence and law enforcement agencies," Trump continued.
Kelly, who also served multiple tours in Iraq, said in a statement released by Trump's transition team he was "humbled and grateful" to be chosen to serve under the incoming Trump administration.
Kelly is the third retired general to clinch a senior position in Trump's administration. The president-elect tapped Gen. James Mattis as defense secretary and named Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn his national security adviser.