Mike Banks, the Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, officially stepped down from his position on Thursday. In a statement regarding his departure, Banks expressed satisfaction with his tenure, remarking, “I feel like I got the ship back on course. From the least secure disastrous chaotic border to the most secure border this country has ever seen.” U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott acknowledged Banks’ long service, stating, “We thank U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks for his decades of service to this country and congratulate him on his second retirement after returning to serve during one of the most challenging periods for border security.” Scott further added that during Banks’ leadership, “the border was transformed from chaos to the most secure border ever recorded.”

Banks’ resignation occurs against a backdrop of ongoing political contention surrounding border enforcement and immigration policies. The Homeland Security Department (DHS), the parent agency overseeing Border Patrol, experienced a partial shutdown earlier this year, from February to late April. This closure stemmed from congressional Democrats’ refusal to approve funding, citing concerns over the enforcement actions taken by both Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The eventual agreement that ended the shutdown notably did not include additional funding for ICE and CBP.

Adding another layer to his departure, reports had emerged approximately six weeks prior alleging past misconduct by Banks. These reports, citing unnamed current and former Border Patrol employees, claimed that Banks had “bragged” about paying for sex with prostitutes during international travel while in a previous management role within the agency. In response to these allegations, a spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection stated that the claims dated back over a decade, had been reviewed years ago, and the matter was considered closed. The spokesperson emphasized that CBP takes allegations of misconduct seriously and is committed to upholding public trust and accountability.

Reflecting on his long career, Banks indicated that his decision to retire was also personal. “It’s just time,” he was quoted as saying, adding that after 37 years, it was “time to enjoy the family and life.”