Border Patrol chief Mike Banks resigns amid Trump’s latest move | Donald Trump News

The US Department of Homeland Security has seen a number of high-profile cases, including Todd Lyons and Kristi Noem.

Mike Banks has resigned as head of the United States Border Patrol, in the latest move to fill the role of President Donald Trump.

On Thursday, Banks broke the news on Fox News that it was “time” for her to leave. He also took credit for the decline in border crossings since Trump took office for a second term.

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“I feel like I’ve turned the ship back from the most secure, dangerous, chaotic border to the most secure border this country has ever seen,” Fox News quoted Banks as saying. “Time to pass the authorities (sic).”

Banks’ departure is the latest in a string of high-profile departures from the Trump administration over the past few months.

Many have involved the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees the US Border Patrol and other immigration enforcement agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

In March, for example, DHS acting secretary Kristi Noem was fired amid questions about her spending — including $20m on an advertising campaign — and her handling of immigration enforcement.

Noem was also assigned to the Shield of the Americas, an initiative Trump launched to strengthen American security.

In April, Todd Lyons also announced that he would be stepping down as ICE director, effective this month.

Like Noem, Lyons has faced pressure from Trump to increase the number of arrests and deportations. Also like Noem, he was criticized for the anger of his employees during the forced labor.

In January, for example, two US citizens – Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good – were shot by federal agents during Operation Metro Surge, an immigration crackdown in Minnesota.

Banks served as Border Patrol chief for about a year and four months. He praised his departure with a desire to “enjoy family and life”.

The Commissioner of US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Rodney Scott, issued a statement of thanks for “decades of service”.

Previously, Banks served in various positions within the Border Patrol, before leaving in 2023 to serve as Texas’ “border chief” under Republican Governor Greg Abbott.

“During his time as Commander, the border was transformed from chaos to the most secure border ever written. We wish him and his family the best,” Scott wrote.

Democrats on the House Homeland Security Committee signaled Banks’ departure by releasing a media report accusing him of soliciting prostitutes while abroad.

“Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks HAS RESIGNED following allegations of prostitution,” their social media account posted. “Good reading.”

A CBP spokesperson told the Washington Examiner that the allegations were investigated and “the matter is closed”.

It is unclear who will replace Banks as Border Patrol chief. But DHS has encountered new arrivals in the past few months.

On March 24, Markwayne Mullin, a former U.S. senator and former U.S. Army veteran, was confirmed as Homeland Security secretary.

And this Tuesday, the Trump administration approved David Venturella, the former CEO of the prison company Geo Group, to be the head of ICE.