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Chad Wolf
Former Acting DHS Secretary
Unlawfully Appointed Official Who Deployed Federal Forces Against Protesters
Overview
Chad Wolf served as Acting DHS Secretary from 2019 to 2021 in a role that a federal judge and the GAO determined was unlawfully held due to improper succession procedures. During his tenure, he deployed federal agents against Portland protesters, expanded immigration restrictions, and attempted to end DACA, all while lacking the legal authority to hold his position.
Key Affiliations
Controversies & Concerns
GAO found his appointment as Acting Secretary was invalid under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act
Federal judge vacated DACA termination attempt because Wolf lacked legal authority to issue the order
Deployed federal agents from CBP and ICE to Portland, Oregon, where they used unmarked vehicles to detain protesters and deployed chemical agents against crowds
DHS intelligence office compiled dossiers on journalists covering Portland protests, including reporters for the New York Times
Personally directed expansion of border wall construction waivers to bypass environmental review
Resigned January 11, 2021, five days after the Capitol attack, citing the court ruling on his succession
As a lobbyist before government service, worked for companies seeking DHS contracts he later oversaw
Related Investigations (1)
Known Associates & Connections
Donald Trump
President who installed Wolf through irregular acting succession to avoid Senate confirmation
Stephen Miller
White House advisor who influenced DHS immigration policy decisions during Wolfs tenure
Sources & Documentation
3 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports
GAO: DHS Acting Secretary Succession Ruling(2020)
ACLU: Federal Agents in Portland Investigation(2020)
Washington Post: DHS Intelligence Dossiers on Journalists(2020)
Personal Information
- Born
- 1976-01-01
- Birthplace
- Dallas, Texas
Education
- •B.A., Southern Methodist University (1998)
- •M.A., George Washington University (2002)
Key Timeline
2017
Joined TSA as chief of staff under the Trump administration
2019-11
Became Acting DHS Secretary through a succession chain later ruled invalid
2020-07
Deployed federal agents to Portland; unmarked vehicles used to detain protesters
2020-08
GAO ruled Wolf was not lawfully serving as Acting Secretary
2020-08
DHS intelligence compiled dossiers on journalists covering Portland
2020-12
Federal judge vacated DACA order Wolf signed because he lacked authority
2021-01-11
Resigned citing court ruling on succession; five days after Capitol attack