By Evaristo Lara
In the midst of accusations that point to him for allegedly having contracted prostitution services, Michael Banks submitted his resignation as head of the Border Patrol (USBP).
Last month, the newspaper The Washington Examiner published an investigation into the official’s alleged trips abroad where it is mentioned that he used to hire the sexual services of prostitutes.
To support these allegations, the news outlet relies on the complaints of six current and former Border Patrol employees.
It is emphasized that Banks used to brag to his subordinates that he had paid for sexual services during trips to Colombia and Thailand.
This way, When the scandal broke out, the Californian official chose to step aside and justify his decision by successfully carrying out the work entrusted to him by the Trump administration.
“After more than 37 years of public service to the people of the United States of America, it is time for me to retire and return home to Texas to dedicate myself to my family and my ranch,” he wrote in a brief statement.
After serving as an agent and border manager for the state of Texas, Banks assumed leadership of the Border Patrol in January 2025.
Rodney Scott, commissioner of the United States Customs and Border Protection Service (CPB), recognized the work carried out by the Californian throughout his almost four decades of service.
“We thank the Chief of the United States Border Patrol, Michael Banks, for his decades of service to this country and congratulate him on his second retirement after returning to service during one of the most difficult periods for border security,” a statement details in part.
It should be noted that, In 2023, Banks had already temporarily retired from the Border Patrol due to disagreements with then-President Joe Biden’s immigration policy.
This new movement arises after several changes have been registered in the agencies in charge of ensuring border security.
In March, President Donald Trump dismissed Kristi Noem as head of Homeland Security and with this, much of the structure of the team in her charge has begun to be removed.
Keep reading:
• Republicans want to approve $72 billion more for ICE and CBP without a Democratic vote
• Border Patrol Chief reveals that immigrant crossings have plummeted by 90%
