President Trump has appointed Rosario “Pete” Vasquez, a 26-year veteran of the U.S. Border Patrol, to lead the agency as its 28th chief.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced the move on June 1, stating Vasquez will oversee nearly 20,000 agents and professional staff. The appointment follows a career trajectory that U.S. Customs and Border Protection described as “coming up through the mission, not through cable-news theater.”

Vasquez, who served in operational roles across the southwestern border, northern border regions, CBP headquarters, and international postings, has held leadership positions including assignments within the Border Patrol’s Special Operations Group, CBP headquarters’ Office of Anti-Terrorism, and as director of the Alliance to Combat Transnational Threats. He also served as assistant attaché for U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Canada and acting executive director within CBP’s Office of Trade. Most recently, Vasquez was Chief Patrol Agent of the Blaine Sector in Washington State, where he managed border security operations along the northern border.

CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott praised Vasquez as “a Border Patrol agent’s agent,” noting his more than two decades of leadership in challenging environments and delivery of results. In a statement to the agency, Vasquez expressed: “It is the honor of a lifetime to serve as chief of the United States Border Patrol, and I’m grateful for the trust placed in me by President Trump, Secretary Mullin, and Commissioner Scott.” He emphasized his commitment to “support our agents, strengthen our operational capabilities, and ensure the U.S. Border Patrol remains the most effective border security force in the world.”

Vasquez assumed control of the agency’s official social media account on June 1, 2026, where he declared: “secure the border, pursue operational excellence, and keep the mission moving.” The U.S. Border Patrol, established in 1924, is responsible for nearly 7,000 miles of international land borders and 2,000 miles of coastal waters. As of June 1, 2026, all official communications from the agency will be attributed to Chief Rosario “Pete” Vasquez.