WASHINGTON — Heritage Foundation President Kay C. James released the following statement Thursday thanking Acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf for his service to the country:

“Secretary Wolf’s leadership of the Department of Homeland Security during the past 14 months has been critical to maintaining America’s national security and defending our constitutional system built upon the rule of law.

 

“Though the world around him was marked by upheaval and chaos, Chad doggedly worked every day to defend the homeland and protect Americans. Thanks to Chad, America is much better prepared to counter the threats China poses to our homeland. We have made substantial security improvements at the border, and policies coming out of Washington, with his support, have further strengthened our immigration system and made it one that works for Americans, protects our national sovereignty, and still empowers us to be a generous, welcoming country. And our people have been made even safer from foreign terrorist attacks than ever before.

 

“In particular, his leadership throughout the summer was crucial in protecting federal property across the nation as rioters and those intent on subverting law and order attacked federal buildings, assaulted federal officers, and destroyed the livelihoods of numerous Americans. He was a calm, but firm and implacable, voice on behalf of our shared national identity in the face of vicious attacks and attempts to divide the American people.

 

“He also showed the importance of American leadership on humanitarian issues, in particular by displaying incredible tenacity in countering human trafficking. Under his watch, DHS opened a new Center for Countering Human Trafficking, and released the department’s first ‘Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, the Importation of Goods Produced with Forced Labor, and Child Sexual Exploitation.’

 

“Chad was a true friend to Heritage, as well, joining us for several events, including a discussion on the challenge China poses to our homeland security, the state of the border wall and border security, and strengthening U.S. efforts to fight human trafficking. We wish him the absolute best in his future endeavors, and thank him for his tireless service on behalf of us all.”