Michael Banks, the head of the agency responsible for patrolling the borders of the United States, has announced his resignation with immediate effect.
Banks revealed his decision during an interview with Fox News on Thursday (May 14), saying he believed his work at the agency was complete.
“It’s just time,” Banks said, according to the news outlet.
Banks also defended his tenure leading the United States Border Patrol, arguing that border security conditions had significantly improved under his leadership.
“I feel like I got the ship back on course from the least secure disastrous chaotic border to the most secure border this country has ever seen,” he said.
Banks’ resignation was confirmed with US Customs and Border Protection commissioner, Rodney Scott, praising Banks for his role during a turbulent period for border enforcement.
The resignation comes as immigration and border enforcement remain among the most politically charged issues in the United States, with ongoing debates over illegal crossings, asylum policy, deportations, and border security measures.
The United States Border Patrol, which operates under US Customs and Border Protection, is tasked with preventing illegal immigration, human trafficking, and smuggling activities along the nation’s borders.
Banks’ departure also comes amid continued scrutiny of federal border policies and enforcement operations under the current administration.
Leadership changes
The resignation comes two months after Markwayne Mullin, a former Republican senator from Oklahoma, became head of the Department of Homeland Security, the agency overseeing both US Customs and Border Protection and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
At the same time, ICE is also undergoing a major transition. Acting ICE director Todd Lyons is expected to leave later this month and will reportedly be replaced by David Venturella, a longtime government contractor executive who recently returned to public service.
Banks rose during Texas border crackdown
Banks returned to the Border Patrol leadership ranks last year after a lengthy career within the agency. Although he had not previously held senior national leadership positions, his profile rose significantly when he served as border czar for Greg Abbott during Texas’ multibillion-dollar border enforcement campaign.
That operation intensified tensions between Texas and the administration of former President Joe Biden as illegal border crossings surged to record highs. Texas authorities frequently clashed with federal officials over jurisdiction, enforcement tactics, and immigration policy.
The United States Border Patrol operates under U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which was established in 2003 following the September 11 attacks.
