New Appointment in U.S. Border Patrol Leadership

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced the appointment of Rosario “Pete” Vazquez as the new Director of the U.S. Border Patrol. In this role, he will manage nearly 20,000 personnel across the country.

According to a press release, Vazquez will collaborate with President Donald Trump, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, and CBP Administrator Rodney Scott to enhance border security, which spans about 7,000 miles of land and 2,000 miles of coastal waters.

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as the head of the U.S. Border Patrol, and I am grateful for the confidence that President Trump, Secretary Mullin, and Secretary Scott have placed in me,” Vazquez stated. “Our personnel have never backed down from a challenge, and neither will I. As Secretary, my focus is clear: to support our personnel, strengthen our operational capabilities, and ensure that the U.S. Border Patrol remains the most effective border force in the world,” he added.

Vazquez brings over 26 years of experience to his new position and has held various leadership roles. Recently, he served as the patrol chief for the Border Patrol’s Blaine Division in Washington state.

“Pete Vazquez is a representative Border Patrol agent. He has commanded on the front lines for more than 20 years, earned the respect of our personnel, and achieved results in some of the nation’s most challenging operational environments,” remarked Scott.

CBP detailed the wide-ranging responsibilities Vazquez will oversee. He will lead efforts to tackle transnational criminal organizations, disrupt human smuggling and drug trafficking networks, and safeguard U.S. sovereignty.

His appointment comes after the resignation of former Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks last month.