US Border Patrol chief Michael Banks resigns amid Trump immigration shakeup

Michael Banks has resigned as chief of US Customs and Border Protection, becoming the latest senior departure from President Donald Trump’s immigration team.

Banks confirmed to Fox News on Thursday that his resignation was effective immediately.

“It’s just time. 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,” Banks told Fox..

In a resignation letter seen by CBS News, Banks wrote: “It is time for me to retire and return home to Texas to focus on my family and ranch.”

“What we have accomplished together in the last year and a half is nothing short of amazing,” he added.

CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott thanked Banks for his service, noting he had returned from retirement to work during what he described as “one of the most challenging periods for border security”.

Banks previously served as a border adviser to Texas Governor Greg Abbott and had earlier left CBP during former President Joe Biden’s administration over disagreements on border policy.

His departure follows other recent changes within Trump’s immigration leadership team.