United States (US) Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks resigned shortly after 16 months of service as the 27th chief of the Patrol force amid a wave of high-profile departures from President Trump’s administration.
His departure marks a major shakeup on Trump’s immigration team, as previous top Border Patrol official Greg Bovino retired and the then-Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was fired by Trump.
The reason for his departure is still unclear; However, he now wanted to return home to Texas and focus on his family.
In an interview with fox news, The 52-year-old former Navy veteran said: “It’s about time. I feel like I’ve taken the ship back from the least secure and disastrous chaotic border to the most secure border this country has ever seen.”
Announcing her resignation in a letter to her staff, Banks praised the Border Patrol’s accomplishments over the course of the last year and a half, saying, “It is nothing short of amazing.”
A look back at Banks’ career:
He has a career in federal service spanning more than 37 years (444 months). Banks served in the U.S. Navy for 10 years before joining the Border Patrol.
He also served as special advisor on border affairs to Texas Governor Greg Abbot and took over as 27th chief after President Trump was inaugurated for his second term in January 2025.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott thanked Banks for his service.
Since Trump took office, his administration has taken strict measures to curb illegal migration into the country; In some cases, even legally registered immigrants were attacked.
According to CBP, illegal crossings have decreased by more than 90 percent in the last year and a half.
