Overview
- Rosario “Pete” Vasquez was named chief of the U.S. Border Patrol in a CBP announcement made on Monday, June 1, and will lead roughly 20,000 agents and staff nationwide.
- Vasquez brings more than 26 years in the agency, including command of the Blaine Sector on the U.S.–Canada border and service in BORSTAR, Special Operations, and CBP’s antiterrorism and international posts.
- His predecessor, Michael Banks, resigned in May after Washington Examiner reporting raised questions about foreign travel and alleged sexual tourism; Banks denied wrongdoing and said he was retiring.
- CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott praised Vasquez as a field‑tested leader, and Vasquez said his top priorities are backing personnel and strengthening operational capabilities to keep the force effective.
- The appointment is likely to restore senior leadership stability needed for coordination with federal, state, local and international partners and could reinforce the administration’s focus on tougher border enforcement.