U.S. Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks announced his immediate resignation after 37 years in federal law enforcement, declaring the southern border had been transformed from a “least secure, disastrous” condition to “the most secure border this country has ever seen.”

In a statement Thursday, Banks said he felt the agency was now “back on course” and would return home to Texas to focus on family. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed his departure without naming a successor for the position.

Banks previously served as Texas border czar under Governor Greg Abbott and was appointed Border Patrol chief by President Trump in January 2025 with a mandate to strengthen southern border enforcement. His tenure included significant reductions in illegal crossings, which he credited to Border Patrol personnel.

The resignation came without warning, with Banks informing staff directly that his departure would be effective immediately. The White House has not yet named a replacement for the role.