CBP announces new Border Patrol chief

 

United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced Rosario “Pete” Vasquez was appointed as the new chief of U.S. Border Patrol, where he will oversee close to 20,000 agents and staff members across the nation.

In a Monday press release, the agency said Vasquez will work under the leadership of President Donald Trump, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin and CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott to secure the borders, which include nearly 7,000 miles of land borders and 2,000 miles of coastal waters, according to CBP.

 “It is the honor of a lifetime to serve as chief of the United States Border Patrol, and I’m grateful for the trust placed in me by President Trump, Secretary Mullin and Commissioner Scott,” Vasquez said, per the release.

“Our agents have never backed down from a challenge, and neither will I. As chief, my focus is clear: support our agents, strengthen our operational capabilities, and ensure the U.S. Border Patrol remains the most effective border security force in the world,” he continued.

 

According to the agency, Vasquez has more than 26 years of distinguished service under his belt, serving in a broad range of leadership assignments. Most recently, CBP noted, Vazquez served as the chief patrol agent of Border Patrol’s Blaine Sector in the state of Washington.

Welcome Chief Rosario “Pete” Vasquez as the newly appointed, 28th @usbpchief of the United States Border Patrol.

With more than 26 years of dedicated service, Chief Vasquez has exemplified leadership, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to securing our Nation’s borders. From… pic.twitter.com/FaF8NCbiEv

— CBP (@CBP) June 1, 2026

“Pete Vasquez is a Border Patrol agent’s agent, said Commissioner Scott, according to the release. “He has spent more than two decades leading from the front, earning the respect of the workforce, and delivering results in some of the most challenging operational environments in the country.”

 

“He understands what this mission demands because he has lived it. There is no one better suited to lead the United States Border Patrol into its next chapter,” he continued.

The CBP explained the extensive nature of Vasquez’s new responsibilities.

“As Chief, Vasquez will oversee nearly 20,000 Border Patrol agents and professional staff operating across the nation, leading efforts to combat transnational criminal organizations, disrupt human smuggling and narcotics trafficking networks, and safeguard U.S. sovereignty,” the release stated. 

 

Vasquez’s appointment follows the resignation of former Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks last month.