The Trump administration has selected seasoned Border Patrol official Rosario “Pete” Vasquez to serve as the next chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, placing a veteran law enforcement leader at the helm of one of the nation’s most critical security agencies.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced Monday that Vasquez will take over leadership of the agency following the resignation of former Chief Mike Banks. In his new role, Vasquez will oversee nearly 20,000 Border Patrol agents and professional staff working across the United States to secure the nation's borders and enforce immigration laws.

Vasquez brings more than 26 years of experience within the Border Patrol, making him one of the most experienced officials to assume the position. Most recently, he served as chief patrol agent of the Blaine Sector in Washington state, where he managed operations along the U.S.-Canada border and worked closely with federal, state, local, tribal, and international partners.

The appointment underscores the Trump administration’s continued focus on border security and law enforcement, placing a career professional with decades of frontline experience in charge of the agency. Unlike the all-too-common Washington habit of handing major responsibilities to bureaucrats with limited field experience, Vasquez has spent more than two decades directly involved in Border Patrol operations.

As the agency faces ongoing challenges related to border security and immigration enforcement, Vasquez's extensive background is expected to provide strong leadership and operational expertise for the men and women serving on the front lines.

With a proven record of service and a deep understanding of Border Patrol operations, Vasquez now steps into one of the most important law enforcement positions in the country, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to maintaining a secure and orderly border.