UMVA has learned that the Trump administration has handpicked a seasoned Border Patrol veteran to take the helm of the agency after the sudden departure of former Chief Mike Banks.
Rosario "Pete" Vasquez, a 26-year veteran of the Border Patrol, has been tapped to lead the agency, overseeing nearly 20,000 agents and professional staff operating across the country. With a distinguished career spanning over two decades, Vasquez has earned a reputation as a leader who gets results in the most challenging operational environments.
Most recently, Vasquez led the Border Patrol's Blaine Sector in Washington state, where he successfully coordinated operations along the U.S.-Canada border and fostered critical partnerships with federal, state, local, tribal, and international authorities. His expertise and dedication have earned him the respect of his peers and superiors alike.
CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott heaped praise on Vasquez, calling him "a Border Patrol agent's agent" who has spent years leading from the front and delivering results. Scott noted that Vasquez understands the demands of the mission because he has lived it, making him uniquely suited to lead the United States Border Patrol into its next chapter.
Vasquez takes the reins from former Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks, who retired in May after a storied career that included helping to oversee a dramatic turnaround in border security. Banks had described the border as being in a state of chaos when he took over, but claimed to have helped steer it back on course.
As chief, Vasquez will be responsible for leading Border Patrol operations across nearly 7,000 miles of international land borders and approximately 2,000 miles of coastal waters. He will oversee efforts to combat transnational criminal organizations, disrupt human smuggling and narcotics trafficking networks, and strengthen border security operations.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Vasquez has served in a variety of operational and leadership roles throughout his career, including assignments along the southwest and northern borders, at CBP headquarters, and in international postings. His extensive experience includes service with the Border Patrol's Search, Trauma, and Rescue Unit, the agency's Special Operations Group, and CBP's Office of Anti-Terrorism.
"It is the honor of a lifetime to serve as chief of the United States Border Patrol, and I'm grateful for the trust placed in me by President Trump, Secretary Mullin, and Commissioner Scott," Vasquez said. "Our agents have never backed down from a challenge, and neither will I. As chief, my focus is clear: support our agents, strengthen our operational capabilities, and ensure the U.S. Border Patrol remains the most effective border security force in the world."
Established in 1924, the U.S. Border Patrol is one of the nation's largest federal law enforcement organizations and serves as the primary agency responsible for securing America's land borders. With Vasquez at the helm, the agency is poised to continue its critical work in protecting the country's borders and combating threats to national security.
