U.S. Border Patrol chief Michael Banks has abruptly resigned, Fox News reports Thursday. The reasons for his departure weren’t immediately clear, but Banks, who had held his position since January 21, 2025 — approximately 16 months — said in a statement, "It is time for me to return home to Texas to focus on my family and ranch."
🚨 JUST NOW: US Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks has "ABRUPTLY RETIRED," per Fox's @Brooketaylortv
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) May 14, 2026
"It is time for me to return home to Texas to focus on my family and ranch."
"I'll forever be the greatest defender and supporter of the men and women of the United States… pic.twitter.com/wyVes2iC2Z
🚨 JUST NOW: US Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks has RETIRED, "effective immediately" after 37 YEARS of service
BILL MELUGIN: "He has overseen the quietest border in US history." 🇺🇸
BANKS: "It's just time. 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. Time to pass the reins...time to enjoy the family and life."
"It is time for me to return home to Texas to focus on my family and ranch."
"I'll forever be the greatest defender and supporter of the men and women of the United States Border Patrol and look forward to seeing all that you will continue to accomplish," he said in an email, per Fox's @Brooketaylortv
Fox News’ Bill Melugin posted to social media, saying that Banks told him he felt he’d put “the ship back on course” and it was time for a break:
BREAKING: US Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks tells me he is resigning, effective immediately.
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) May 14, 2026
"It's just time," Banks tells me. "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. Time…
BREAKING: US Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks tells me he is resigning, effective immediately.
"It's just time," Banks tells me. "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. Time to pass the reigns, 37 years its time to enjoy the family and life."
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The resignation comes amid numerous recent changes in the Department of Homeland Security, with Kristi Noem forced out as secretary and former Republican Oklahoma senator Markwayne Mullin taking over the job. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons is retiring effective May 31, with Border Czar Tom Homan's protégé David Venturella set to take his place. Meanwhile, high-profile Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino retired in March. He had become the face of the Patrol as he oversaw illegal immigration raids in multiple cities.
Not much more is known about Banks’ sudden departure, but several agents had publicly accused him of “taking regular trips abroad to engage in sex with prostitutes,” according to a Washington Examiner investigation.
A successor has not yet been named.
Editor’s Note: Thanks to President Trump, illegal immigration into our great country has virtually stopped. Despite the radical left's lies, new legislation wasn't needed to secure our border, just a new president.
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