Michael Banks resigned as Chief of the US Border Patrol on Thursday, effective immediately, in a departure confirmed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Banks announced his resignation in a Fox News interview, stating, "It's just time." He cited nearly 37 years of public service and a desire to return to Texas to focus on his family and ranch.
Resignation and Statements
Banks was appointed to the role in January 2025 by the second Trump administration. He previously served as a Border Patrol agent and as border czar to Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a position that made him an unusual appointee as the Border Patrol chief role is historically held by career agency officials.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Rodney Scott thanked Banks for his service, stating he served during "one of the most challenging periods for border security." In his farewell remarks, Banks said the border had become "more secure" and that he had "got the ship back on course."
Allegations
The resignation followed a Washington Examiner report in which six current and former Border Patrol employees accused Banks of paying for sex with prostitutes in Colombia and Thailand over more than a decade, and bragging about it. CBP investigated the matter twice, with one inquiry ending under former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. CBP described the matter as "closed," stating the allegations "date back more than a decade and were reviewed years ago."
Tenure and Enforcement
Under Banks's leadership, the Border Patrol expanded prosecutions for unlawful border crossings and intensified coordination with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The agency launched "national defense areas" covering nearly a third of the US-Mexico border, patrolled by at least 7,600 troops. Internal enforcement operations were conducted in major cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, and Minneapolis, though these were later scaled back after controversy. Reports indicate that arrests for illegal crossings during this period fell to their lowest levels since the mid-1960s.
Broader Leadership Changes
Banks is the latest senior immigration official to leave DHS in recent months. In March, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was replaced by Markwayne Mullin. Outspoken Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino retired in March after being demoted. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons is scheduled to step down at the end of May and will be replaced by David Venturella. A replacement for Banks has not been announced.