Kristi Noem

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem successfully defeated a primary runoff challenge from a Republican opponent, a businessman and Bitcoin evangelist. The runoff election was closely watched as a test of Noem's political strength within the state's GOP. Multiple news outlets, including The Hill, Fox News, USA Today, The Washington Post, and KELOLAND.com, reported on the outcome, with the Associated Press calling the race for Noem. The challenger, who campaigned on a pro-cryptocurrency platform, failed to unseat the incumbent governor. The result solidifies Noem's position as the Republican nominee for the upcoming general election, where she will face a Democratic challenger. The race highlighted internal party dynamics and the influence of single-issue candidates in state-level politics.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 01:19 AM UTC

House Democrats, led by Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.), introduced the Congressional Oversight and Agency Access Act (H.R. 9835) on July 24, 2026, to mandate governmentwide rules for congressional access to federal facilities. The bill would grant lawmakers and staff access to public buildings during business hours, require after-hours access, and mandate access to secure areas within 24 hours of a request. It applies even during presidential or public health emergencies and includes contractor-operated facilities. The legislation responds to disputes under the Trump administration, including a DHS policy requiring seven-day notice for visits to immigration detention centers, which was temporarily blocked by a court. Beyer cited personal denials of access to USAID, the U.S. Institute of Peace, Interior Department meetings, and ICE facilities. The bill is cosponsored by eight House Democrats and supported by the Project on Government Oversight.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 06:19 PM UTC

House Democrats, led by Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.), introduced the Congressional Oversight and Agency Access Act (H.R. 9835) on July 24, 2026, to mandate governmentwide rules for congressional visits to federal buildings, including contractor-operated facilities. The bill requires agencies to grant access during business hours and within 24 hours for secure areas, even during declared emergencies. It follows disputes over access to agencies like USAID and ICE detention centers, where a Trump administration policy requiring seven-day notice for oversight visits was temporarily blocked by a court. Beyer cited deliberate obstruction by the Trump administration. The bill is cosponsored by eight House Democrats and supported by the Project on Government Oversight.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 06:19 PM UTC

House Democrats, led by Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.), introduced the Congressional Oversight and Agency Access Act (H.R. 9835) on Wednesday, aiming to establish government-wide rules ensuring members of Congress and their staff can access federal buildings and contractor-operated facilities for oversight. The bill mandates access during business hours and within 24 hours for secure areas, even during declared emergencies. It comes amid a legal dispute over a Trump administration policy requiring seven days' notice for congressional visits to immigration detention facilities, which a federal judge temporarily blocked. Beyer cited personal experiences of being denied access to USAID, the U.S. Institute of Peace, and ICE facilities. The bill is cosponsored by eight other House Democrats and supported by the Project on Government Oversight, which argues it reaffirms Congress's constitutional oversight authority.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 06:19 PM UTC

The small Texas border town of Presidio (population ~3,200) has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to block construction of a border wall along the Rio Grande. The town argues that the Department of Homeland Security's $46 billion wall plan would compromise the levee system protecting the community from flash flooding, violating the Rivers and Harbors Act by failing to consult the Army Corps of Engineers. During a federal court hearing, lawyers for Presidio's development district warned that replacing earthen levees with concrete walls and steel bollards could increase flood risks. The government contends no final plan exists and asserts its authority to waive regulations for rapid construction. Construction could begin as early as August or as late as October. The case highlights tensions between local municipalities and federal authority over border security.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 05:06 PM UTC

The article reports that despite a lower public profile, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has intensified enforcement under new Department of Homeland Security Director Markwayne Mullin. Arrests have surged to 2,000 per day, with over 63,000 people in ICE custody in horrific conditions. Immigration judges are issuing more than 10,000 deportation orders monthly, asylum grants have sharply declined, and mass deportation hearings involving up to 100 cases are being held with little notice. Deportation flights reached a record high in May, including to countries like Ghana and Cameroon. DHS has also ordered employers to fire thousands of legal immigrant workers likely to lose Temporary Protected Status. Recent fatal shootings by ICE agents in Houston, Maine, and Florida have revived some scrutiny, but public outcry remains muted compared to earlier protests. The article argues this quiet approach is deliberate, aiming to avoid mass protests while carrying out mass deportations.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 04:00 AM UTC

The article reports that under new DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, ICE has adopted subtler tactics to avoid public outrage while significantly increasing enforcement. Arrests have surged to 2,000 per day, with over 63,000 people in custody. Deportation flights reached a record high in May, with 288 flights to 38 countries. ICE has targeted unaccompanied minors, and judges are signing over 10,000 deportation orders monthly. Asylum grants have been sharply reduced, and resistant judges fired. Mass deportation hearings involving up to 100 cases are held with little notice. DHS has also ordered employers to fire thousands of legal immigrant workers facing loss of Temporary Protected Status. Recent fatal shootings by ICE agents in Houston, Maine, and Florida have revived some scrutiny, but public outcry remains muted compared to earlier protests. The article warns that thousands have been quietly disappeared from communities, and the administration relies on public complacency.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 04:00 AM UTC

Mahmoud Khalil, a legal U.S. permanent resident and former Columbia University protest leader, filed a federal lawsuit on July 14, 2026, against senior Trump administration officials and right-wing Zionist organizations under the KKK Act of 1871. The 131-page complaint alleges a conspiracy to intimidate, arrest, and deport pro-Palestine activists. Named defendants include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, former Secretary Kristi Noem, the Heritage Foundation, Canary Mission, and Betar. Khalil was arrested in March 2025, detained for 100 days, and missed the birth of his first child. The lawsuit claims the administration collaborated with these groups to target noncitizen Palestinians and supporters, citing Project Esther and a prior trial revealing Canary Mission provided DHS with a list of protesters. Khalil stated the lawsuit seeks accountability and justice.

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Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin is facing significant challenges in establishing a functional working relationship with Senator Rand Paul, the Republican chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee. According to reports, personal tensions stemming from a 2017 incident where Mullin allegedly commented on an assault against Paul continue to hinder productive engagement between the two. During Mullin's confirmation hearing in March, Paul cited these past remarks and Mullin's perceived anger issues as reasons for his opposition, casting the sole Republican vote against Mullin's confirmation. Fellow Republican Senator Rick Scott emphasized the necessity of a positive professional relationship for effective governance. The discord is reportedly limiting legislative cooperation and has coincided with reports that Mullin is being sidelined within the White House. Mullin, who replaced Kristi Noem following her ouster over controversial fatal shootings in Minneapolis, assumed the role of the 9th DHS Secretary after a narrow 54-45 Senate vote. The ongoing friction highlights internal GOP divisions and potential obstacles for the DHS agenda under the current administration.

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The town of Social Circle, Georgia, has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) over plans to convert a local warehouse into a detention facility capable of holding 10,000 immigrants. The town, which has fewer than 5,500 residents, argues that the massive facility will severely overburden its infrastructure, potentially causing issues such as dry water taps and raw human waste spills. The lawsuit alleges that ICE violated state and federal laws in its effort to establish the center, which was purchased for $128 million, a figure more than five times the property's previously assessed value. Despite ICE representatives stating the facility would open by June 2026, no construction has begun. A DHS spokesperson stated that the agency is reviewing policies under new Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, who replaced Kristi Noem in March 2026. Mullin has expressed a desire to work with community leaders. The incident highlights tensions between federal immigration enforcement expansion and local community resources in Walton County, a region that strongly supported Donald Trump in the last election.

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Nearly half of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) senior leadership positions are currently vacant as the Atlantic hurricane season approaches. Eighteen of thirty-eight top roles are empty, including the critical Region 4 administrator position overseeing the southeastern United States. Robert Fenton Jr., a career official, is currently serving as the acting FEMA administrator following a period of instability that saw four acting leaders since January 2025. President Donald Trump recently nominated Cameron Hamilton for the permanent role, though Hamilton had previously been fired for supporting the agency's existence amidst calls for its elimination by former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Trump. Democratic lawmakers Bennie Thompson and Tim Kennedy sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin alleging deteriorating readiness. They claim the Trump administration has systematically weakened FEMA by forcing out over 5,000 employees, halting preparedness programs, and stalling billions in disaster relief funds. Critics argue these actions, including non-renewal of contract staff and potential 50% workforce cuts, have left the agency ill-prepared for major disasters. A lawsuit challenging these staffing decisions remains ongoing, highlighting significant operational and political challenges facing the agency during a critical weather season.

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is proceeding with plans to convert warehouses into large-scale immigration detention centers, a key component of the Trump administration's deportation strategy. Despite facing numerous lawsuits alleging failures in completing required environmental reviews, officials at US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are moving forward with contracting for sites in San Antonio and near El Paso, Texas. The administration also seeks to continue work at a facility near Hagerstown, Maryland, while adhering to court orders limiting construction there. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, who succeeded Kristi Noem, ordered a review of the estimated $38 billion project but appears committed to its execution. ICE aims to have the Texas facilities operational by early 2027. Critics from both major political parties have opposed the initiative, arguing it bypasses legal safeguards. The DHS states it is reviewing prior policies and intends to engage with local communities, including those in regions that strongly supported President Donald Trump, to facilitate the expansion of these centralized detention hubs.

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A federal appeals court has unanimously ruled against the Trump administration's attempt to require seven days' advance notice for congressional inspections of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities. The DC Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a block on this policy, affirming that lawmakers retain the right to conduct unannounced visits to monitor detainee conditions. The decision rejects arguments from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Secretary Kristi Noem, who had issued guidance claiming new budget legislation exempted ICE from standard oversight laws. The court found that while security concerns are valid, the government failed to demonstrate that unannounced inspections cause harm beyond mere administrative inconvenience. This ruling preserves the ability of Democratic leaders in Congress to perform immediate oversight amid reports of harsh treatment and violations within ICE facilities. The article highlights the ongoing legal and political conflict between the executive branch's efforts to limit transparency and legislative mandates for accountability in immigration detention centers.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Trump administration has appointed David Venturella, a former senior vice president at the GEO Group, as the new head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Venturella served as a top executive at the private prison giant from 2012 to 2023 and continued as a paid consultant until January 2025. Despite federal ethics rules prohibiting employees from working on contracts involving former employers, the administration granted Venturella a waiver, allowing him to join ICE shortly after leaving his consulting role. Critics, including Representative Delia Ramirez, argue this appointment signifies that private detention companies now effectively control ICE, potentially prioritizing profits over humane conditions. The article highlights Venturella's past involvement in expediting the deportation of a personal acquaintance of Donald Trump, raising concerns about conflicts of interest. This move underscores the deepening ties between the private prison industry and government bureaucracy under the second Trump administration, marking a shift from the controversial tenure of former DHS chief Kristi Noem while signaling continued aggressive mass detention policies.

1 reports · 1 sources

María de Jesús Estrada Juárez, a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient who entered the US legally as a minor, was arrested and deported to Mexico in less than 24 hours during her green card interview in Sacramento, California. This incident occurred amidst an intensified immigration enforcement campaign under President Donald Trump’s administration, which established daily arrest quotas and significantly expanded Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel. Estrada Juárez was detained without access to her medication or phone, transported through multiple facilities, and released in Tijuana. Her case exemplifies a broader trend where individuals with legal status or pending applications are caught in aggressive deportation efforts. However, a federal judge later ruled her deportation unlawful on March 23, allowing her return to the US on March 31. The story highlights the vulnerabilities faced by immigrants even when complying with legal processes, raising concerns about due process and the human impact of stringent immigration policies implemented by the Department of Homeland Security and ICE.

1 reports · 1 sources

Markwayne Mullin, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security secretary, warned that the United States is not fully prepared to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to a recent 76-day funding shutdown. Speaking in Kansas City, Mullin likened the security challenge to protecting 78 Super Bowls, with expectations of seven million international visitors. He blamed Democrats for jeopardizing safety through political maneuvers regarding ICE funding, though he asserted that the event can still be delivered. The shutdown caused significant disruptions, including an 8 percent workforce loss at the TSA and 1,100 staff departures from CISA, weakening both physical and digital defenses. Concerns are heightened by geopolitical tensions, including the war with Iran, and domestic political violence. While FIFA has provided $625 million for security, delays occurred during the shutdown. Mullin emphasized vulnerabilities in soft targets like bars and public transport, urging National Guard mobilization. Despite official confidence, internal sources admit planning was interrupted and TSA resources are strained by diverting officers from airports to stadiums, leaving the agency inadequately prepared for the dual burden of increased travel and venue security.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) faces a severe leadership and operational crisis under the Trump administration, characterized by the appointment of unqualified loyalists and significant staff reductions. Donald Trump recently nominated Cameron Hamilton to lead the agency, despite his previous dismissal for supporting FEMA's existence. The agency has lacked a Senate-confirmed administrator since January 2025, cycling through controversial figures like David Richardson, who resigned after mishandling Texas floods, and Karen Evans, known for cutting grants and staff. Current acting head Bob Fenton Jr., a veteran official, faces replacement by a former Navy SEAL with no relevant experience. Additionally, senior official Gregg Phillips has drawn criticism for promoting conspiracy theories. A report by Sabotaging Our Safety (SOS) gave FEMA an 'F' in preparedness, citing vacant leadership roles, the elimination of ten percent of the core workforce, and canceled training exercises. With key regions like Texas and Louisiana lacking administrators, the agency is dangerously understaffed ahead of the Atlantic hurricane season, raising serious concerns about its ability to respond to climate-exacerbated extreme weather events.

1 reports · 1 sources

Michael Banks, the head of the US Border Patrol, has unexpectedly resigned from his position, effective immediately. The agency did not provide a specific reason for his departure, which occurs amidst a broader series of personnel changes within US immigration authorities under President Donald Trump's administration. Banks, who was appointed in January 2025, had previously served as the border commissioner for Texas and spent two decades with border protection services. He is widely considered an ally of Kristi Noem, the former Homeland Security Secretary who was fired by Trump in March 2026. In his farewell message, Banks described himself as a lifelong defender of the agency. This resignation coincides with declining public approval of Trump's immigration strategies. Additionally, other high-ranking officials are leaving, including Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, who is retiring and will be succeeded by David Venturella, a former executive at the private prison operator GEO Group. Meanwhile, the powers of White House border representative Tom Homan have been expanded, signaling a significant restructuring of the nation's immigration enforcement leadership.

1 reports · 1 sources

Michael Banks, the head of the US Border Patrol, has unexpectedly resigned after serving for 16 months. Banks, who was appointed by President Donald Trump in January 2025, did not provide a specific reason for his departure but expressed continued support for the agency in a farewell message. He was widely considered a close ally of Kristi Noem, the former Secretary of Homeland Security who was dismissed by Trump in March 2026. During Banks' tenure, the Border Patrol expanded operations into major US cities, employing aggressive tactics that resulted in civilian deaths and public clashes. Rodney Scott, head of Customs and Border Protection, praised Banks for transforming the border into the safest it has ever been. This resignation marks another significant personnel change within Trump's immigration apparatus, following the retirement of Gregory Bovino and the upcoming departure of ICE Director Todd Lyons. Public approval of Trump's strict immigration strategy has declined despite a sharp decrease in border arrests, which fell from 956,000 in the previous year to approximately 86,000 between February 2025 and January 2026.

1 reports · 1 sources

Michael Banks, the Chief of the US Border Patrol, abruptly resigned on Thursday, marking another significant departure within the Trump administration's immigration leadership. An agency spokesman confirmed the resignation but provided no specific reason for his exit. Banks, appointed by President Donald Trump in January 2025, was closely associated with former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who was dismissed in March. His departure follows a series of exits among top immigration officials, including the retirement of Gregory Bovino and the upcoming departure of ICE acting director Todd Lyons. During his tenure, Banks oversaw a period where border apprehensions dropped significantly from 956,000 to 86,000 annually. However, his leadership also coincided with controversial aggressive enforcement tactics in major US cities. US Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott praised Banks for transforming the border into a secure area. This reshuffle occurs as the White House expands the authority of Tom Homan, the administration's border czar, signaling a continued hardline approach to immigration enforcement despite declining public support for some strategies.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released more than $20 million in previously stalled funding to support flood recovery efforts in Vermont. The allocation includes $11.78 million for the City of Montpelier to repair municipal buildings damaged during the severe July 2023 floods, such as City Hall, the fire department, and police facilities. This funding will finally allow for the replacement of the City Hall elevator, which has been out of service since the disaster, addressing long-standing accessibility concerns for residents. Additionally, the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) will receive $6.2 million to repair a washed-out culvert on the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail and $2.9 million for railroad infrastructure repairs in Washington County. The release of these funds follows the rescission of a strict scrutiny policy imposed by former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, which had delayed billions in disaster assistance nationwide. Vermont’s congressional delegation announced the funding, criticizing the previous delays as a significant failure requiring agency reform. While celebrating this progress, officials like Senator Peter Welch continue to oppose current administration recommendations that could further slash FEMA resources, emphasizing the urgent need for sustained support to help communities fully rebuild.

1 reports · 1 sources

Mike Banks has resigned as the head of the United States Border Patrol, marking the latest high-profile departure within President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement operations. Banks announced his decision to Fox News, stating it was time to leave after successfully securing the border during Trump’s second term. He credited his tenure with transforming the border from chaotic to highly secure. His resignation follows a series of significant turnovers in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including the firing of Secretary Kristi Noem in March and the departure of acting ICE head Todd Lyons in April. These exits occurred amid controversies over spending, aggressive enforcement tactics, and political pressure. While CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott praised Banks’s decades of service, House Democrats highlighted unresolved allegations against him, which CBP stated were previously investigated and closed. Markwayne Mullin has since been confirmed as the new Homeland Security Secretary, and David Venturella appointed as acting ICE director. The identity of Banks’s successor remains unclear as the administration continues to reshape its immigration leadership structure.

1 reports · 1 sources

U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks abruptly resigned on May 14, 2026, marking another significant departure among top immigration officials in President Donald Trump’s administration. No official reason was provided for Banks' exit, though sources indicate he was allied with former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who was fired in March. Banks, appointed in January 2025, previously served as Texas's border czar. His resignation coincides with declining public support for Trump's immigration strategies and follows the retirements of other key figures, including Gregory Bovino. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons is also set to depart, to be replaced by David Venturella. While CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott praised Banks for transforming border security, reports suggest internal clashes over enforcement tactics, particularly regarding aggressive operations in major U.S. cities. Under Trump's renewed crackdown, border arrests dropped significantly from 956,000 to 86,000 in his first year back in office. This turnover highlights ongoing instability within the agencies tasked with enforcing the administration's strict border policies.

1 reports · 1 sources

Michael Banks, the director of US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), has resigned, marking another significant departure within the leadership team implementing Donald Trump’s aggressive anti-immigration agenda. The resignation was announced on Thursday, with senior official Rodney Scott praising Banks for transforming the border from chaos to unprecedented security levels. This exit follows a turbulent period for the Department of Homeland Security since Trump’s return to the White House in early 2025. Prior to Banks’ departure, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was replaced in March, and senior CBP official Greg Bovino was demoted following the fatal shooting of two Americans by federal agents in Minneapolis in January. That incident had sparked intense criticism of the administration’s domestic enforcement operations. Additionally, the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), who has faced heavy scrutiny for his role in these controversial nationwide raids, has also announced plans to step down at the end of the month. These high-level exits highlight the instability and controversy surrounding the execution of Trump’s hardline migration policies.

1 reports · 1 sources

U.S. Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks has abruptly resigned from his position, effective immediately, following reports of sexual impropriety. While Banks publicly stated to Fox News that he was stepping down to enjoy family life after securing the border, his departure coincides with allegations that he regularly hired sex workers in Colombia and Thailand over a decade. Reports indicate that Customs and Border Protection investigated these claims twice, but former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem allegedly suppressed the probes. This resignation marks another significant leadership shakeup within the Trump administration’s immigration apparatus during its second term. The turmoil follows the earlier ousting of Noem and Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino. Additionally, acting ICE Director Todd Lyons is expected to resign soon, with private prison executive David Venturella slated as his replacement. These changes highlight ongoing instability in federal immigration agencies despite immigration being a central priority for President Trump. The incident underscores internal controversies affecting high-ranking officials tasked with enforcing strict border security measures.

1 reports · 1 sources

Michael Banks, the 27th Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, has announced his immediate resignation, marking another significant departure within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Appointed by President Trump in January 2025, Banks previously served as Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s first border czar. His exit follows recent departures of other high-ranking officials, including DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and CBP Commander Gregory Bovino. Sources indicate Banks had been considering leaving for months; as a former retiree turned political appointee, he resigned rather than retiring again. Former colleague Gregory Bovino praised Banks for his support of agents during volatile operations and his advocacy for mass interior removals to secure the border. Banks, a Navy veteran who joined the Border Patrol in 2000, cited a desire to spend time with his family after thirty-seven years of service. He expressed pride in achieving heightened border security under the current administration. This resignation continues a trend of leadership turnover at DHS, reflecting ongoing shifts in federal immigration enforcement strategies and personnel following the transition of power.

1 reports · 1 sources

US Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks abruptly resigned on May 14, 2026, contributing to a wave of turnover among top immigration officials in the Trump administration. Banks, who assumed the role in January 2025 following President Donald Trump's inauguration, served for approximately 16 months. No official reason was provided for his departure, and he did not immediately comment. Reports indicate Banks was allied with former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who was fired by Trump in March 2026. His exit coincides with the planned departure of Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons and the retirement of controversial official Gregory Bovino. During Banks' tenure, the administration implemented aggressive enforcement tactics in major US cities, resulting in clashes with residents, although overall border arrests decreased significantly from 956,000 to 86,000 annually. US Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott praised Banks for transforming border security during a challenging period. The resignation highlights ongoing instability within the agency as the White House expands the authority of border czar Tom Homan. David Venturella, a former immigration official with ties to the GEO Group, is set to replace Lyons, signaling continued shifts in leadership amidst declining public support for Trump's immigration strategies.

1 reports · 1 sources

U.S. Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks has resigned effective immediately, concluding a 37-year career in federal service. In statements reported by Fox News, Banks claimed he successfully transformed the border from a chaotic state to the most secure in the nation's history, stating it was time to pass the reins and enjoy family life. His departure follows significant political turmoil, including a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security from February to late April. This shutdown occurred after congressional Democrats refused to approve funding for the agency due to controversies surrounding enforcement actions by Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Additionally, Banks' resignation comes six weeks after reports emerged alleging past misconduct involving prostitution, which CBP officials stated were reviewed and closed years ago. U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott praised Banks for his decades of service and leadership during challenging periods. The resignation marks a significant leadership change within the DHS amidst ongoing debates over immigration policy and agency funding.

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Mike Banks, the Chief of the US Border Patrol, has announced his resignation after 37 years of service, marking another significant departure within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This move follows the recent exits of former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and her top adviser Corey Lewandowski in March, as well as the resignation of Immigration and Customs Enforcement acting director Todd Lyons. In an interview with Fox News, Banks stated that it was time to step down, claiming he had successfully steered the agency from a chaotic state to achieving what he described as the most secure border in the country's history. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott praised Banks for his decades of service and his role in transforming border security during a challenging period. The series of high-profile resignations indicates a broader restructuring or cleaning house within the DHS leadership following the political changes earlier this year. Representatives for the DHS did not immediately provide comment on the situation.

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Mike Banks, the US Border Patrol chief who oversaw the Trump administration's aggressive border militarization and enforcement expansion, has resigned with immediate effect. His departure follows weeks of scrutiny after reports emerged alleging that he regularly paid for sex with prostitutes in Colombia and Thailand over a decade and bragged about it to colleagues. Six current and former border patrol employees reportedly made these accusations. Although Customs and Border Protection (CBP) stated the matter was closed and the allegations dated back years, the scandal prompted his exit. In a statement to Fox News, Banks claimed it was simply time to leave, asserting he had transformed the border from chaotic to highly secure. Banks, appointed in early 2025, was central to implementing controversial policies, including designating large stretches of the southern border as military zones patrolled by thousands of troops and expanding interior enforcement operations across the US. His resignation marks a significant development in the leadership of US immigration enforcement agencies amidst ongoing political debates over border security strategies.

1 reports · 1 sources