U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks Resigns From Agency

U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks is leaving the agency immediately, according to an announcement reported by NBC News on May 14, 2026. " Banks first announced his resignation in an interview with Fox News. "It’s just time," Banks told Fox News.

It was not immediately clear who will replace him. The resignation comes two months after Markwayne Mullin became homeland security secretary.

At the same time that Banks is stepping down, ICE is also undergoing a leadership transition. Todd Lyons, the acting ICE director, is leaving later this month and will be replaced by David Venturella. Customs and Border Protection was established in 2003.

The agency handles customs, immigration and agricultural regulations to secure U.S. borders. Banks returned to the Border Patrol last year after a long career with the agency. Arrests for illegal crossings have fallen to their lowest levels since the mid-1960s.

The decline in crossings began toward the end of the previous administration. Banks did not appear at the Border Security Expo held this month in Phoenix. Scott has acted as the agency’s public face. Banks kept a relatively low public profile during his tenure.