Trump administration shakes up border patrol with chief Mike Banks resignation

US Border Patrol Chief Resigns Amidst Departure of High-Profile Officials

The US Department of Homeland Security has seen several high-profile departures in recent months, including Todd Lyons and Kristi Noem. The latest departure is that of Michael Banks, who has resigned as the head of the United States Border Patrol.

Banks announced his resignation to Fox News on Thursday, stating that it was time for him to leave. He also attributed a decline in border crossings since President Donald Trump took office for a second term to his efforts. Banks said he felt that he had improved the security of the border during his tenure as chief.

This departure is part of a series of high-profile resignations within the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement operations. In March, Kristi Noem was reassigned after facing criticism over her handling of immigration enforcement operations and spending on an advertising campaign. Todd Lyons also announced his resignation in April, following pressure from Trump to increase immigrant detentions and deportations.

Banks had served as Border Patrol chief for approximately 18 months. He cited a desire to enjoy family and life as the reason for his departure. Commissioner Rodney Scott of US Customs and Border Protection issued a statement thanking Banks for his “decades of service”.

The allegations against Banks, including accusations of soliciting prostitutes while abroad, were investigated by CBP and deemed closed. The identity of the next Border Patrol chief is currently unknown.

In recent months, the Department of Homeland Security has seen several new arrivals to its upper rung, including Markwayne Mullin as Homeland Security secretary and David Venturella as acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Source: Al Jazeera