U.S. Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens, who has led the agency since June 2023, announced his retirement in April. Mr. Owens appointed by President Biden as the 26th presidentth He served as chief of the U.S. Border Patrol and worked for the Border Patrol for nearly 30 years.
Biden appointed Owens to lead the agency after former Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz stepped down during the busiest period of migrant arrivals in the agency's history. At the time of his appointment, Owens was head of the Del Rio division, overseeing the agency's operations in one of the nation's busiest divisions.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas released the following statement regarding Owen, who is set to retire:
Chief Owens has dedicated his life to public service. Throughout his career in the Border Patrol, from his first assignment at the Calexico base to commanding the elite BORTAC unit in El Paso, from his leadership of the USBP Academy to the Laredo and Del Rio areas of Washington, D.C., and many other assignments. At intermediate stations, he has always stepped up and intervened whenever the difficulties were greatest or when his talents were most needed. He rose through the ranks of the Border Patrol through his extraordinary leadership, courage, integrity and civility.
Mayorkas elaborated on Owens' ability to lead the agency, adding, “These qualities make Chief Owens the best and most appropriate person to lead the Border Patrol during a very difficult time.” We are grateful that he has accepted this challenge, just as he has accepted so many others throughout his distinguished law enforcement career. ”
on fox news interview After announcing his retirement, Owens was asked about the surge in border crossings the agency has responded to under his leadership, including the 2021 migrant surge in Del Rio and the surge in Eagle Pass, Texas. “I had never seen anything like it,” Owens told Fox. “And it was the worst I've ever experienced in my career. And men and women… We’re always trying to find ways to deal with problems so we can get back on patrol and keep bad guys out.”
Owens is a native of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and was raised as a member of the Cherokee Nation. He is the third chief to lead the Border Patrol under the Biden administration. A replacement for Owens has not been officially announced, but a Customs and Border Protection official told Breitbart that current Texas Border Patrol agent Mike Banks is the likely candidate. .
Randy Clark He is a 32-year veteran of the U.S. Border Patrol. Prior to his retirement, he served as Division Chief of Law Enforcement Operations, directing operations for nine Border Patrol stations within the Del Rio, Texas area. Follow him at X (formerly Twitter) @RandyClarkBBTX.
