Manuel Daniel Tehan-Menendez

About

Daniel Tehan-Menendez most recently served as the Director for Southwest Border Coordination at the National Security Council. Previously, he was a Senior Advisor to the Commissioner on Technology, Strategy, and Delivery at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), where he developed innovative programs and technology solutions to address migration challenges at the U.S. southern border. Before joining CBP as an Advisor in 2021, Daniel spent five years providing contract support to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Border Patrol. He holds a bachelor's degree in international relations and psychology from the University of St Andrews and a master’s degree in international politics and security from the University of Dundee.

Roles

Sep 2024–Jan 2025

Former role

Director of Southwest Border Coordination

National Security Council (NSC), White House

(appointed)District of Columbia

Analyzed demographic and location immigration trends to prompt data-driven decision making. Developed communication materials, including writing statistics in an easy-to-understand format. Prepared and delivered briefings for senior leaders on complex immigration topics, such as the Southwest border, migration in the western hemisphere, and refugee and asylum programs. Coordinated meetings with multiple government agency leadership to address emerging immigration issues.

Nov 2021–Sep 2024

Former role

Senior Advisor to the Commissioner on Technology, Strategy, and Delivery

U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of the Commissioner

(appointed)District of Columbia

Advised Senior Leaders across CBP and DHS on how to leverage technology to achieve policy initiatives at the Southwest Border, for international travelers, and data sharing between government agencies. Contributed to strengthening relationships and initiating new programs with international partners. Created governance and evaluation criteria for the safe and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within CBP.

Coordinated technology modernization efforts resulting in significant time savings and reduced burden. Regularly briefed International Organizations (IOs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), state and local governments on the status at the Southwest Border and on immigration policy changes. Implemented a Customer Experience (CX) program to adopt a human centered design approach within CBP.

Feb 2020–Nov 2021

Former role

Consultant

Deloitte

District of Columbia

Analyzed U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) data and built dashboards to evaluate key immigration programs. Created a communication strategy which included identifying target audiences, developing messaging materials and implementing a Service Now tool to over 20,000 users. Developed a partnership strategy for an early childhood education focused NGO in Ghana as volunteer project. Researched new government policies and analyzed Appropriation Bills to inform new lines of business.

Mar 2017–Feb 2020

Former role

Senior Consultant

Capgemini Government Solutions

District of Columbia

Analyzed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) data to identify time in custody and demographic trends. Developed policy to protect vulnerable populations and provide mental health support to detained individuals. Created a dashboard by linking multiple data sources to evaluate a specialized behavior health unit.

Analyzed ICE’s workforce data to recommend new diversity and inclusion strategies and practices. Led a rebranding effort for the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties within ICE.