hot-button issues ranging from immigration to counter-terrorism, said
Friday she is resigning to run the University of California and its
system of colleges.
"I thank President Obama for the chance to serve our nation during
this important chapter in our history," Napolitano said in a
statement. "And I know the Department of Homeland Security will
continue to perform its important duties with the honor and focus that
the American public expects."
Obama praised Napolitano's performance during four-and-a-half years at
the Department of Homeland Security, noting that its responsibilities
during her tenure ranged from the Joplin tornado to Hurricane Sandy,
as well as efforts to thwart terrorism.
"Since day one, Janet has led my administration's effort to secure our
borders, deploying a historic number of resources, while also taking
steps to make our immigration system fairer and more consistent with
our values," Obama said. "And the American people are safer and more
secure thanks to Janet's leadership in protecting our homeland against
terrorist attacks."
PROFILE: Napolitano's tenure and legacy
White House spokesman Jay Carney noted that Napolitano will stay at
her post until September, and that Obama will be "very deliberate" in
selecting a successor.
A prominent senator -- Democrat Charles Schumer of New York -- has
already floated one name, New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly.
Her resignation caught many in Washington by surprise -- Napolitano
has often been mentioned as a potential successor to Attorney General
Eric Holder.
Some Republicans and others criticized Napolitano over immigration
policies, citing a de-emphasis on prosecutions against suspects
believed to be in the United States illegally. Napolitano also backed
a plan to end deportations against young people who lacked legal
status.
Napolitano and supporters said limited law enforcement resources
should focus on threats to public safety and national security.
Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., said Napolitano's tenure has been marked
"by a consistent disrespect for the rule of law," and that "the most
significant obstacle to immigration reform remains President Obama's
selective enforcement of the law."
Others, however, pointed to record numbers of deportations on
Napolitano's watch. Chris Newman, legal director for the National Day
Laborer Organizing Network, said, "we are pleased to see her go."
Sessions and other critics have also faulted Napolitano's department
for failing to be transparent about border security and the botched
"Fast and Furious" gun running investigation.
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said he and his fellow Arizonan "have had
our share of disagreements" over the years, "but I have never doubted
her integrity, work ethic, or commitment to our nation's security."
Napolitano, a former governor of Arizona, is only the third person to
lead the Department of Homeland Security, created a decade ago in the
wake of the 9/11 attacks. She held the job throughout Obama's first
term.
DHS employees "serve on the front lines of our nation's efforts to
protect our communities and families from harm," Napolitano said, and
working with them "has been the highlight of my professional career."
She said her department "has improved the safety of travelers;
implemented smart steps that make our immigration system more fair and
focused while deploying record resources to protect our nation's
borders; worked with states to build resiliency and make our nation's
emergency and disaster response capabilities more robust; and
partnered with the private sector to improve our cybersecurity."
The University of California regents who run a 10-campus college
system confirmed Napolitano's new appointment in a statement, praising
her as someone who has run large public agencies and has a deep
interest in improving higher education.
Chosen over more than 300 other potential candidates, Napolitano will
be the 20th president of the University of California.
"While some may consider her to be an unconventional choice, Secretary
Napolitano is without a doubt the right person at the right time to
lead this incredible university," said a statement from Sherry
Lansing, the regent and former film industry executive who headed the
search committee.
Added Lansing: "She will bring fresh eyes and a new sensibility — not
only to UC, but to all of California. She will stand as a vigorous
advocate for faculty, students and staff at a time when great changes
in our state, and across the globe, are presenting as many
opportunities as challenges."
In her statement, Napolitano said that in her new job she wants "to
play a role in educating our nation's next generation of leaders."
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