Mike Banks Named 27th U.S. Border Patrol Chief Under Trump, Replacing Jason Owens

Jan 16, 2025, 10:29 PM

Mike Banks, a former Border Patrol agent and Texas' first-ever border czar, has been appointed as the 27th U.S. Border Patrol chief under President-elect Donald Trump's administration. Banks will replace Jason Owens, a career official who is set to retire in April. Banks, who has extensive experience in federal law enforcement, previously served as a special advisor to Texas Governor Greg Abbott and played a key role in implementing Texas' Operation Lone Star, which included measures such as deploying the National Guard and installing barriers along the Rio Grande. The border czar position was created in 2023 to address the influx of illegal migrants in the Lone Star State. His appointment marks a departure from the tradition of selecting career officials for the role, reflecting the Trump administration's focus on stricter immigration enforcement. Banks will oversee efforts to address illegal immigration and drug trafficking at the U.S.-Mexico border.