U.S. Border Patrol Chief

As of January 21,2025, all content on this account will be attributed to Chief Michael Banks, 27th Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol. With over 20 years of service in the Border Patrol, I am honored to lead this incredible team. Together, we’ll strengthen partnerships, enhance operations, and embrace innovation to secure our nation’s borders. Thank you for your dedication—let’s move forward with purpose and professionalism! — Chief Michael Banks

SHUTDOWN: STASH HOUSE OPERATION 🚨 What started as a single human smuggling event quickly turned into something bigger in Laredo, TX. Agents followed leads to a location where seven more illegal aliens were being held. A total of 8 illegal aliens from Guatemala, Mexico, and El Salvador are now in custody; each will face charges and deportation. Two smugglers were also arrested and are facing alien smuggling charges.

A self-admitted member of the La Empresa transnational criminal organization was apprehended after attempting to guide a group of five across the border illegally. He now faces federal prosecution for alien smuggling, and the five individuals will also be charged with illegal entry. All will be deported. Those who violate U.S. laws and threaten our communities will face the full weight of the law, followed by swift deportation. No exceptions.

Working alongside our law enforcement partners, USBP agents arrested three illegal aliens during a failed human smuggling attempt in a vehicle. This led law enforcement to a stash house near Laredo, TX, where an additional 15 illegal aliens were arrested. The illegal aliens were reportedly held against their will, locked inside the stash house. There is no safe haven. If you cross illegally, you will be arrested, prosecuted, and deported.

Yesterday, the U.S. Border Patrol honored the lives and legacy of Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Eric Cespedes and Border Patrol Agent David Chris Maland at the Valor Memorial unveiling ceremony. Their names were added alongside those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation and the American people.   Following the unveiling, I had the honor of meeting with the families of the fallen agents—a solemn reminder that their sacrifice will never be forgotten and that their loved ones will always remain part of the U.S. Border Patrol family.   Through remembrance, honor, and unwavering support, the legacy of our fallen heroes lives on.

It was a true honor to attend the @CBP Valor Memorial and Wreath Laying Ceremony this morning and visit with the families of our fallen heroes. In 2016, the Lord put a saying on my heart: “love the people, love the call.” Our CBP officers and their families demonstrate the ultimate act of love by putting their lives on the line to protect their fellow citizens every single day. Today, we remember Border Patrol Agent David Maland, Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Eric Cespedes, and all of the heroes lost in the line of duty. We will never forget. God bless our federal law enforcement.

POLICE WEEK: VALOR MEMORIAL & WREATH LAYING 🕊️   Today, the U.S. Border Patrol honored the men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation during the CBP Valor Memorial and Wreath Laying Ceremony.   This year, two additional names were solemnly added to the Valor Memorial — forever joining the ranks of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.   Their courage, service, and devotion to protecting the American people will never be forgotten. We honor their memory, stand beside their families, and carry forward their legacy each day we wear the badge.

POLICE WEEK: FAMILY WELCOME   Over the past several days, the families of our fallen heroes have gathered in Washington, D.C., to honor the lives, service, and sacrifice of their loved ones during National Police Week.   We welcome them with gratitude and respect, and remind them that they do not walk this path alone. We see your strength, share in your pride, and remain humbled by your resilience.   While the nation honors these heroes, we recognize the enduring loss carried by their families. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

The Shrine Didn’t Work at this Stash House❗ USBP dismantled a human smuggling operation in Laredo, TX, arresting six illegal aliens and the smuggler responsible for the illegal activity. All individuals are in custody and facing deportation; however, the smuggler is pending state prosecution for alien smuggling prior to deportation. Criminal cartel networks are attempting to moving in quietly, operating in your neighborhoods, and exploiting people for profit in plain sight—but we’re not letting that happen.

HUMANS ARE NOT CARGO 🚨 A cargo van tried to bypass a USBP checkpoint in Laredo, TX—not with goods, but with people. Agents used a tire deflation device to stop the vehicle. The passengers fled, but all were quickly apprehended: 14 illegal aliens and one U.S. citizen smuggler. The driver faces alien smuggling charges, and the illegal aliens will be processed for deportation.

This Mother’s Day, we recognize the women of the U.S. Border Patrol who uphold our mission with strength, resilience, and unwavering commitment.   Whether at home with their families, maintaining peak readiness, or on the front lines securing our borders, these agents embody the highest standards of service. Their dedication reflects the U.S. Border Patrol’s core mission: protecting the American people.   @USBPChiefYUM @CBP @DHSgov

Today, I had the honor of participating in the National Police Week 5K alongside law enforcement partners and supporters from across the country. This event is more than just a race—it is a heartfelt tribute to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.   As thousands of us gathered in unity, every step we took served as a powerful reminder that the service and sacrifice of our fallen heroes will never be forgotten.   #NationalPoliceWeek #NPW5K #BorderPatrol #HonorAndRemember

In a targeted, multi-agency operation near Key Largo, FL, USBP and our law enforcement partners arrested 38 illegal aliens from eight different countries. Some of their criminal convictions include: ▪️ Assault ▪️ Burglary ▪️ Battery ▪️ Forgery ▪️ Fraud ▪️ Kidnapping ▪️ Possession with intent to distribute ▪️ Illegal entry If you cross illegally, you will be targeted, arrested, prosecuted, and deported. The border is closed!

Wellton station agents responded to a request from the Mexican Consulate, locating a missing illegal alien abandoned in the remote desert. Despite vague details and challenging terrain, agents found the subject suffering from heat-related stress and coordinated with BORSTAR and EMS for a safe rescue and medical transport. Border Patrol Agents stand ready to rapidly respond to any call and are trained to save lives in even the most extreme conditions.

Every mile of border wall adds another layer of security for our agents, our communities, and our nation.

A bailout near Zapata, TX led agents to a stash house bust. Sharp intel work led law enforcement to a nearby mobile home, where they found seven more illegal aliens. A total of 10 illegal aliens and one smuggler were arrested. Stash houses are hubs for exploitation and criminal activity, and we are committed to shutting down these dangerous operations.

A human smuggling coordinator was arrested near Mission, TX. Following a thorough investigation, USBP agents identified the Mexican national as a recruiter using social media to hire drivers to move illegal aliens. He is currently facing felony prosecution. We are relentlessly targeting and dismantling criminal cartel networks that profit from human exploitation.

Answering the call in the most challenging terrain. The U.S. Border Patrol’s Horse Patrol Unit plays a critical role in securing remote border regions—extending operational reach and enhancing situational awareness where it matters most. Every mile covered strengthens our ability to detect, deter, and respond to illegal activity. @DHSgov @CBP @USBPChiefRGV @USBPChiefTCA

Sharp sign-cutting skills led agents to disrupt a human smuggling scheme in the remote desert near Santa Teresa, NM. Five illegal aliens and two human smugglers were arrested after agents tracked tire marks to an abandoned vehicle and followed footprints until locating the group. The human smugglers are facing alien smuggling charges, and the illegal aliens will be processed for deportation. The U.S. Border Patrol is a formidable force, succeeding even in the most challenging conditions to protect national security.

Respect. Honor. Remember. As National Police Week begins, U.S. Border Patrol Agents joined law enforcement from across the nation at the Annual Blue Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. In prayer and reflection, we honored those who made the ultimate sacrifice and renewed our commitment to carry their legacy forward through service to this nation.

A previously deported criminal alien was caught attempting to illegally reenter the U.S. near Santa Teresa, NM, just a few months after his last deportation. The Mexican national has spent much of his adult life cycling through American courtrooms and prison cells. Look at his criminal record: 🔸 2004: Possession of Marijuana 🔸 2013: Manufacturing/Delivering a Controlled Substance 🔸 2022: Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle ⛔ Currently WANTED for a probation violation This aggravated felon is now custody, facing prosecution for his immigration violation and subsequent deportation.