The Trump administration has appointed Rosario 'Pete' Vasquez as the new chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, following the resignation of former Chief Mike Banks. The announcement was made by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on June 1, 2026. Vasquez has over 26 years of experience in the Border Patrol and most recently led the Blaine Sector in Washington state, where he coordinated operations along the U.S.-Canada border.
CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott commended Vasquez's leadership experience, stating that he has earned the respect of the workforce and has a deep understanding of the agency's mission. Vasquez succeeds Mike Banks, who retired in May after overseeing the agency during President Trump's second term. Banks described his tenure as a period of significant improvement in border security.
As chief, Vasquez will oversee nearly 20,000 agents and staff, managing operations across approximately 7,000 miles of international land borders and 2,000 miles of coastal waters. His career includes various leadership roles, including service in the Border Patrol's Search, Trauma, and Rescue Unit, and the Special Operations Group. Vasquez expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the agency and emphasized his commitment to supporting agents and enhancing operational capabilities.
