As expected Customs and Border Protection chief, Alan Bersin, has left his job effective the end of the month - a mere 21 months after starting.

Bersin first served as Obama’s border czar before being nominated to Commissioner of border protection in September 2009.  Bersin’s appointment was one of many that were delayed by the Congress and in this case the Senate Finance Committee.

Bersin therefore served as temporary head of border protection thanks to the President using a congressional recess power in March of 2010 – that appointment was only valid until year end. 

Bersin officially resigned this week and his second in command Deputy Commissioner David Aguilar will serve as Acting Commissioner.

As Acting Commissioner, Mr. Aguilar will serve as the agency’s chief executive, overseeing the operations of CBP’s 59,800-employee work force and manage an operating budget of $11.5 billion.