Mike Banks is stepping down as chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, according to CBS News, marking the latest leadership shakeup within the Trump administration’s immigration apparatus.
Three Department of Homeland Security sources told CBS News that Banks informed staff Thursday of his retirement from the agency. In a farewell message, Banks said he planned to return to Texas to focus on his family and ranch.
Banks praised Border Patrol agents for helping transform what he described as “the most chaotic and unsecured border” into “the most secure border this country has ever seen.”
🚨 JUST NOW: US Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks has RETIRED, "effective immediately" after 37 YEARS of service
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) May 14, 2026
BILL MELUGIN: "He has overseen the quietest border in US history." 🇺🇸
BANKS: "It's just time. I feel like I got the ship back on course, from the least secure,… pic.twitter.com/r6maN5j91k
President Donald Trump appointed Banks in January 2025 after campaigning on stricter immigration enforcement and border security following record illegal crossings during the Biden administration.
The report noted that Banks’ appointment broke with tradition because the Border Patrol chief role had historically been held by career officials. Before joining the administration, Banks served as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s border czar.
His exit follows several recent departures of senior immigration officials amid controversies surrounding federal enforcement operations.
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