A senior U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official was fired Friday after an internal investigation found the individual allegedly leaked sensitive information to the media, according to multiple reports.
Sources told Fox News the official was removed from their office in Washington, DC, and escorted out of the building following the determination by the Department of Homeland Security.
The termination reportedly stemmed from allegations that the official disclosed two categories of protected information.
One involved sensitive personal details related to CBP personnel, while the other involved internal negotiations connected to the border wall.
Sources said the leaks raised serious concerns about the safety of federal law enforcement officers.
Officials cited a reported increase in threats against border agents nationwide, including death threats, though no specific figures or timelines were disclosed.
The fired official’s identity has not been made public.
Neither the Department of Homeland Security nor U.S. Customs and Border Protection has released a formal statement naming the individual or outlining additional details of the investigation.
According to the report, the decision to terminate the official followed an internal determination that the leaks posed elevated security risks to personnel in the field.
Sources described the information shared with reporters as “sensitive” and “personal,” particularly as it related to CBP officers and ongoing border infrastructure discussions.
The alleged disclosures were said to be unauthorized and in direct violation of agency policies governing information security and media contacts.
Federal employees handling classified or sensitive but unclassified material are subject to strict rules limiting what can be shared outside official channels.
Violations can result in discipline ranging from suspension to termination, and in some cases, criminal prosecution, per Trending Politics.
The firing comes amid heightened tensions inside DHS over border enforcement, operational leaks, and the safety of agents working along the southern border.
Recent months have seen growing scrutiny of internal information handling across DHS components.
Earlier in 2026, unrelated incidents involved data exposure affecting ICE and Border Patrol personnel, though officials said those cases are not connected to this termination.
Law enforcement leaders have warned that leaking internal details can put officers and their families at risk by exposing identities, locations, or operational plans.
Officials have increasingly emphasized a zero-tolerance approach toward leaks that compromise security.
The alleged disclosure of border wall negotiation details also raised alarms, as such discussions are typically closely held within the administration.
Border policy and infrastructure negotiations have remained politically sensitive, particularly under President Donald Trump’s aggressive enforcement agenda.
Sources said the firing sends a message that internal dissent cannot take the form of unauthorized disclosures to the press.
As of Friday, it remained unclear whether the case would be referred for criminal review.
DHS officials have not indicated whether additional disciplinary actions or arrests are expected.
