US Border Patrol chief Mike Banks announced Thursday that he was stepping down from his position, as the Department of Homeland Security has been cleaning house in the wake of ex-Secretary Kristi Noem’s exit.
“It’s just time,” Banks told Fox News’ Bill Melugin. “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. Time to pass the reins, 37 years is time to enjoy the family and life.”
Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott said in a statement: “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.”
“During his time as Chief, the border was transformed from chaos to the most secure border ever recorded. We wish him and his family well,” Scott also said.
The departure follows the resignation of Immigration and Customs Enforcement acting director Todd Lyons.
Noem and her top adviser Corey Lewandowski left DHS in March.
Reps for DHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
