Michael Banks, chief of US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), announced his immediate resignation on Thursday, as reported by multiple outlets including Fox News. In an interview with Fox News, Banks stated that it was 'just time' to retire after 37 years of service. He claimed he had transformed the border from its 'least secure and most chaotic state' into 'the most secure this country has ever seen.' His departure follows a series of high-profile exits within the Trump administration's immigration team, including former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and outspoken CBP commander Greg Bovino.
Key Takeaways
U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks announced his immediate resignation on Thursday after 37 years of service. His departure follows allegations of misconduct during international trips, including accusations of soliciting sex workers in Colombia and Thailand. Banks claimed he transformed the border into its most secure state but faced controversy over past behavior.
Banks had been in his role since early 2025 when President Donald Trump returned to the White House. His appointment was notable as he was a political appointee rather than a career agency official, having previously served as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's border czar. During his tenure, Banks oversaw significant changes in immigration enforcement, including the expansion of prosecutions for unlawful border crossings and intensified coordination between Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The resignation comes amid controversy, with allegations surfacing weeks prior that Banks had engaged in misconduct during international trips. According to a report by The Washington Examiner, six current and former Border Patrol employees accused Banks of paying for sex with prostitutes in Colombia and Thailand over more than a decade. CBP described the matter as 'closed,' stating that the allegations were reviewed years ago. The agency did not comment further when contacted by other outlets such as The Guardian.
Banks' farewell message to Border Patrol employees emphasized his pride in their collective achievements, including what he described as transforming the border from chaos to security. Rodney Scott, commissioner of Customs and Border Protection, congratulated Banks on his retirement, acknowledging his decades of service and the secure state of the border during his tenure.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. It was not immediately clear who will replace Banks. His resignation takes place two months after Markwayne Mullin, a former Republican senator from Oklahoma, became homeland security secretary. DHS oversees CBP and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, also known as ICE.
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