US Border Patrol chief Michael Banks resigns

May 14, 2026

Michael Banks, the Chief of US Customs and Border Patrol, has announced his immediate resignation after serving since President Trump's return to office. His departure represents another significant change to Trump's immigration policy leadership team, following the earlier firing of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and the resignation of CBP commander Greg Bovino. Banks, who came out of retirement to serve and previously worked as a border adviser for Texas Governor Greg Abbott, stated he accomplished his goal of transforming what he called the least secure border into the most secure one in US history.

Who is affected

Michael Banks (resigning CBP Chief)
US Customs and Border Patrol staff and personnel
CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott (Banks' supervisor)
President Donald Trump and his administration
Cities where CBP has conducted immigration enforcement operations (Los Angeles, Chicago, Minneapolis)
Two American citizens killed by federal immigration officials in Minneapolis in January

What action is being taken

Michael Banks is resigning effective immediately
CBP is conducting immigration enforcement operations in US cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, and Minneapolis

Why it matters

This resignation marks the third major leadership change in Trump's immigration policy apparatus, creating continued instability in an area that is central to his administration's agenda. The departure comes during a particularly controversial period where Border Patrol's participation in domestic immigration operations has drawn intense criticism, especially following the killing of two American citizens by federal immigration officials. The leadership vacuum at CBP occurs at a time when the agency is being deployed beyond its traditional border role into interior enforcement activities.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC