Front entrance to the Customs and Border Protection headquarters building on Jan. 30, 2024, in Washington, D.C. The name of the new leader of CBP's Office of the Chief Medical Officer hasn't been publicly reported. J. David Ake / Getty Images
CBP chief medical official moved months after whistleblower complaints
Whistleblowers accused Dr. Alexander Eastman of creating a hostile work environment, among other allegations.
The Homeland Security Department is moving the acting top medical official at Customs and Border Protection, who was on detail, back to DHS headquarters, according to a report on Thursday from the Project on Government Oversight. The reassignment comes months after whistleblowers accused Dr. Alexander Eastman of a range of misconduct.
POGO’s report did not include a name for who will lead CBP’s Office of the Chief Medical Officer but said it is a career employee who is not a doctor but will be advised by one from DHS.
DHS and CBP did not immediately respond to a request for comment to confirm POGO’s report or to provide a name for Eastman’s replacement.
Earlier this year, the Government Accountability Project sent reports to multiple governmental oversight entities with whistleblower allegations that Eastman created a hostile work environment, tried to get fentanyl lollipops for suspicious reasons and drank alcohol while possessing a firearm.
“DHS’ removal of Dr. Eastman from a critical position of power is a welcome first step, but it is only a first step,” said Andrea Meza of GAP, who is the lead counsel for the whistleblowers, in a statement. “DHS must meaningfully resolve multiple pending retaliation complaints filed by CBP employee whistleblowers….”
CBP’s chief medical officer is responsible for the health care provided to migrants in the agency’s custody. President-elect Donald Trump has sworn to step up immigration enforcement.