Michael Banks, chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, abruptly resigned Thursday — effective immediately.
Banks informed Border Patrol staff of his decision in a farewell message obtained byCBS News, saying, “It is time for me to retire and return home to Texas to focus on my family and ranch.”
Banks wrote, “What we have accomplished together in the last year and a half is nothing short of amazing. You, the men and women of theBorder Patrol, took the United States Border from the most chaotic and unsecured border in the history of this great Nation and have delivered the most secure border this country has ever seen.”
Banks’ farewell message to Border Patrol employees, obtained by CBS News:
To the men and women of the United States Border Patrol, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for allowing me to serve with you day in and day out, not just for the last year and half as your Chief…
— Camilo Montoya-Galvez (@camiloreports)May 14, 2026
Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott praised Banks’ leadership. Scott said Banks helped guide the agency during a difficult period for border enforcement.
Scott said in a statement, “We thank U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks for his decades of service to this country and congratulate him on his second retirement after returning to serve during one of the most challenging periods for border security. During his time as Chief, the border was transformed from chaos to the most secure border ever recorded ….We wish him and his family well.”
Banks became Border Patrol chief in January 2025 after being selected by President Donald Trump.
Before that, he served as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s border czar.
Source: VidNews » Feed
