Mike Banks

If I had Kamala Harris's failed border security track record, I'd deny being called "Border Czar" too. But unlike Kamala, I'm PROUD of Texas' achievements in securing the border. We've worked hard to deter illegal immigration. Illegal immigration has decreased in Texas by 85%.

It was 4 degrees & snowing during my recent trip to the US-Canada border. I was shocked to hear that some of our border patrol agents didn’t even have snow tires - due to the failures of the Biden administration. (1/2)

It was my honor to meet the family of fallen Border Patrol Agent David Maland and his fellow officers who work everyday to keep our nation safe. The afternoon spent at the US/Canadian border reaffirmed President Trump and my commitment to secure ALL of our borders.

Texas National Guard soldiers continue to fortify razor wire barriers at the border to keep Texans and Americans safe. Our historic efforts under Operation Lone Star deter and repel illegal border crossings.

Thanks to Texas' historic border mission, our state's law enforcement seized over 622 million lethal doses of fentanyl. That's enough fentanyl to kill every man, woman, and child in the U.S., Mexico, AND Canada. More: bit.ly/4jmKjjh

NEW: Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens has been replaced, and the Trump administration has selected Texas border czar Mike Banks to fill his boots. @dcexaminer confirmed Banks will start during “Trump’s swearing-in” on Inauguration Day. washingtonexaminer.com/policy/immigra… @TexasBorderCzar

“I think it’s easy to lead in good times, the true test is if you can lead, especially the people you care about, through challenging times…” Outgoing @USBPChief talks about his experience leading the Border Patrol under the Biden Administration and says he will be there to help @TexasBorderCzar Mike Banks with his transition into the role. Chief Owens will officially retire from BP in April.

We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brazoria County Sheriff’s Deputy Jesus Vargas, who was shot & killed in the line of duty today. Spoke with County Sheriff Stallman & offered the full support of Texas to hunt down this heinous criminal. Cecilia & I extend our deepest condolences.

Inauguration Day is a day of celebration for America. Today, I ordered flags raised to full-staff at the Texas Capitol & state buildings for President Trump’s inauguration. While we honor President Carter’s service, we also celebrate an incoming President & our bright future.

Texas continues to crack down on the vicious Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. DPS arrested four dangerous TdA gang members last week. We will not allow this gang to operate or gain a foothold in Texas. More: bit.ly/403RRyE

Soldiers with Operation Lone Star erect additional panel fortifications along the Texas border. Their efforts support Operation Lone Star’s mission to detect, deter and interdict illegal immigrants and stop transnational crime along the Texas-Mexico border.

Day and Night, Soldiers and Airmen of the Texas National Guard conduct patrols all along the Texas border as part of Operation Lone Star’s mission to prevent, deter and interdict transnational criminal activity, human trafficking and illegal immigration.

Construction on the Texas border wall is ongoing in Zapata County. Texas continues to work around the clock to secure the border and build our historic border wall.

#OperationLoneStar Two-Week Recap: 12/13/24 - 1/3/25 In the last two weeks, @TxDPS Troopers, K9s, Mounted Patrol, & Special Agents worked diligently to ensure public safety by arresting human smugglers, tracking down gotaways, & identifying TdA transnational gang members.

Border security is a top priority for Texas. Texas will continue to work closely with President Trump and Border Czar Homan in the year ahead to secure the border. Together, we’ll safeguard our nation’s future.

Texas has taken historic action since we launched our border mission in 2021, and we've seen historic results. Since the start of Operation Lone Star, Texas has decreased illegal border crossings into the state by 87%. We'll continue to secure the border in 2025 and beyond.

📍Zapata County More panels installed on the Texas border wall. Day and night, progress is made to build our border wall. As the new year begins, Texas’ historic efforts to secure the southern border remains a top priority.

During the week, @TxDPS Troopers & Tracking K9s located & arrested multiple illegal immigrants attempting to evade capture by traversing through private ranches in Maverick County. One of the males, Victor Antonio Olan De La Cruz, from Mexico, had numerous charges for illegal entry dating back to 2014. On 9/24, US Probation granted supervised release. He was removed back to Mexico on 11/24 but reentered on 01/25 through Maverick County, where DPS Troopers arrested him for criminal trespass. #OperationLoneStar (Photo 1: left - De La Cruz)

January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Texas. This month, and every month, I encourage all Texans to educate themselves on the dangers and signs of human trafficking. We must come together to take decisive action and eradicate this scourge from our society.

This week, @TxDPS troopers identified and arrested four TdA gang members attempting to illegally cross the border into Texas. Texas will not tolerate TdA operating or gaining a foothold in our state. The safety of Texans is our top priority. Learn more: bit.ly/3W6ntCC

Border wall construction continues in Zapata County. Texas is the first and ONLY state in U.S. history to build our own border wall.