McAllen, Texas –U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations formally announced today at a change of command ceremony held at the McAllen, Texas Convention Center that David John Gonzalez has been selected as the new port director for the Rio Grande City Port of Entry. Gonzalez succeeds Severiano Solis, the previous port director, who now serves at the El Paso Field Office.
“I am excited to serve as port director in a community with such a vibrant spirit but still with a hometown atmosphere. I have had initial meetings with key international trade, governmental and consular stakeholders from both sides of the border and look forward to working more closely with everyone. I am eager to apply experiences and efficiencies gleaned from working at other South Texas ports of entry in a constructive way to continually improve facilitation of lawful trade and travel while upholding our border security mission,” Gonzalez said.
David John Gonzalez formally assumes command as port director of Rio Grande City Port of Entry by taking possession of the Laredo Field Office guidon from Director, Field Operations David P. Higgerson, Laredo Field Office during a Change of Command ceremony.
As port director for Rio Grande City Port of Entry, Gonzalez oversees the operations of passenger and commercial cargo, the Los Ebanos International Ferry Crossing and will be responsible with managing a nine million dollar budget. The port of Rio Grande City, Texas processed a total of 132, 000 commercial shipments and 350,000 passenger vehicles during Fiscal year 2014. He will be responsible for managing the port’s budget, commercial traffic, passenger vehicles, special interest aliens, export laws, including Labor-Employee Relations, and other programs.
Mr. Gonzalez began his federal career in 1997 as a U.S. Customs inspector in Brownville, Texas. In 1998, Mr. Gonzalez transferred to the Port of Hidalgo, Texas where he spent the majority of his career. During his tenure at Hidalgo, he rose through the ranks and served in the positions of supervisor, chief, and watch commander. He also served as a field training officer and mentor to his colleagues. Port Director David Gonzalez also served at Headquarters on a temporary duty assignment basis in furtherance of the CBP mission. He completed his Second Level Command Preparation Class in 2013.
As a chief officer of Cargo Operations at the Hidalgo Port of Entry, he oversaw the processing of over half a million commercial trucks annually. As watch commander he was in charge of daily operations for Port of Hidalgo that processed 4.8 million passenger vehicles, and over 12 million travelers annually.
Mr. Gonzalez is a native of Edinburg, Texas and is a graduate of the University of Texas-Pan American. He holds a bachelor’s degree in science, is married and has two children. He enjoys golf and traveling with his family.
CBP’s Rio Grande City Port of Entry is part of the South Texas Campaign, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations.