Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks Resigns Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations

U.S. Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks resigned from his position on Thursday, citing personal reasons. In an interview with Fox News, Banks stated his resignation was effective immediately, saying:

“It’s just time, man. I feel like I got this shit back on course, from the least secure, disastrous, chaotic border to the most secure border this country has ever seen. Time to pass the reins.”

“It’s time to enjoy the family and life.”

Banks, a longtime law enforcement official, oversaw Donald Trump’s second-term immigration crackdown.

Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott issued a statement thanking Banks for his service “during one of the most challenging periods for border security.”

Allegations of Misconduct Surface

Banks’ resignation follows reports of alleged sexual impropriety involving foreign sex workers. According to Washington Examiner sources, Border Patrol employees claimed Banks was “known among colleagues for taking regular trips abroad to engage in sex with prostitutes.”

Reports further alleged that Banks bragged about his behavior with colleagues during his previous role in Border Patrol. He reportedly paid for sex with prostitutes while traveling across Colombia and Thailand over the past decade.

Federal investigations into his conduct were reportedly conducted twice, including one last year. However, both probes were reportedly blocked by former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

Leadership Shakeup Continues in Immigration Agencies

Banks’ departure adds to a series of high-profile resignations and removals within the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement agencies. Since Trump’s return to office, key figures have exited, including:

• Former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who was ousted.
• Former Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino, who was sidelined after federal agents fatally shot two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis earlier this year.

Additional changes are expected, with acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Todd Lyons set to resign in the coming weeks. He will be replaced by David Venturella, a private prison executive.