The Department of Homeland Security has selected veteran Border Patrol official Rosario "Pete" Vasquez as the next chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, according to multiple sources familiar with the decision.
The appointment, reported by the Washington Examiner, concludes a rapid two-week search to replace former Chief Michael Banks, whose departure earlier this month left one of the nation's largest federal law enforcement agencies without a permanent leader.
Vasquez brings more than a quarter century of experience to the position. A 26-year Border Patrol veteran, he currently serves as chief patrol agent of the agency's Blaine Sector in Washington state, overseeing operations along the U.S.-Canada border. Throughout his career, he has held assignments in Arizona, California, Washington, D.C., and Canada.
According to the report, Vasquez was selected late Thursday after Customs and Border Protection leadership and DHS officials evaluated candidates from across the agency's 20 sectors. Sources told the publication that integrity, leadership experience, and workforce management were key factors in the selection process.
The choice comes during a period of significant turnover within DHS and Border Patrol leadership. Michael Banks, who had led the agency since January 2025 after serving as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's border czar, resigned in May. His departure followed controversy surrounding allegations involving overseas travel and sex tourism that were reported by the Washington Examiner. Banks denied wrongdoing and publicly said he stepped down because it was "time" to retire again after helping stabilize border operations.
Banks' exit created an unexpected leadership vacuum. Normally, the deputy chief would assume the position, but Deputy Chief Neil Slosar also opted to retire, forcing DHS and Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott to accelerate their search for a successor.
Former Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens praised the selection.
"I've worked with him for many years, and I know him to be a consummate professional who cares about the people," Owens told the Washington Examiner. "I wish him well."
Other officials familiar with the decision described Vasquez as a "straight shooter" and a leader with strong moral character.
As chief, Vasquez will oversee approximately 20,000 Border Patrol agents stationed across the United States. The position is one of the most influential law enforcement jobs in the federal government, particularly as immigration and border security remain central issues in national politics heading into the 2026 midterm elections.
The appointment also would signals what some observers see as a shift in tone under DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, who inherited an agency undergoing significant personnel changes after the departures of several officials associated with former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's leadership team.
Vasquez now would assume command at a time when the Trump administration continues to tout historically low levels of illegal border crossings while simultaneously expanding immigration enforcement operations beyond traditional border regions. The new chief will face the challenge of maintaining those enforcement efforts while managing one of the largest workforces in federal law enforcement.
