DHS – Napolitano out; Kelly in?

Janet Napolitano’s sudden departure from her post as the head of the Department of Homeland security was confirmed Friday by the White House. Now, reports are surfacing that New York City’s Police Commissioner may replace her.

Reacting to an LA Times report that Janet Napolitano would be taking over as the head of the University of California college system, the White House confirmed that she would be leaving DHS in September.

Commissioner Kelly may be a controversial pick. New York’s “stop and frisk” program has been widely criticized as an imposition on privacy and pushing the bounds of probable cause.

The recent controversy with the NSA’s prism program and the AP wire tap scandal may cause his nomination to be challenged by the Senate.

Napolitano’s policy actions, or lack thereof, on immigration already have Congress leery of the Department. Under direction by President Obama, Napolitano directed border agents not to enforce key border security regulations and laws.

As Congress is now dealing with a controversial immigration bill, Kelly’s confirmation is not a done deal.

New York Senator Charles Schumer (Dem) had previously publicly issued his support for Kelly as FBI director – a post Kelly turned down. Sen. Schumer is now advocating for Kelly’s nomination as DHS head.