U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks has stepped down after just 16 months of service as the 27th head of the patrol force amid a wave of high-profile departures from President Trump’s administration.
His departure marks a major shakeup in Trump’s immigration team, as former senior Border Patrol official Greg Bovino retired and then secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was fired by Trump.
The reason behind his departure is still unclear; however, he now wanted to return to his home in Texas and focus on his family.
In an interview with Fox News, the 52-year-old former Navy veteran said: “It’s just about time. I feel like I got the ship back on course from the least secure catastrophic chaotic border to the most secure border this country has ever seen.”
Announcing his resignation in a letter to his staff, Banks praised the Border Patrol’s accomplishments over the past year and a half, saying, “It’s nothing short of amazing.”
A look back at Banks’ career:
He has a career in federal service spanning 37 years (444 months). Banks served in the US Navy for 10 years before joining the Border Patrol.
He also served as special adviser on border affairs to Texas Governor Greg Abbot and took the role of 27th in command after President Trump was sworn in for his second term in January 2025.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott thanked Banks for his service.
Since Trump took over as president, his administration has taken tough action to curb illegal migration into the country, in some cases even targeting legally registered migrants.
According to CBP, illegal crossings have decreased by more than 90 percent in the past year and a half.
