U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced on June 1 the appointment of Rosario “Pete” Vasquez as Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, the federal law enforcement organization responsible for securing America’s borders and protecting the homeland. Vasquez assumes command as Border Patrol agents continue efforts to secure the border under President Donald J. Trump, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, and CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott.
Vasquez brings over 26 years of service with the U.S. Border Patrol to his new role, having served in various operational and executive leadership positions along both southwest and northern borders, at CBP headquarters, and in international postings. He is a graduate of the U.S. Border Patrol’s Search, Trauma, and Rescue Unit and has held leadership roles within the Special Operations Group, Office of Anti-Terrorism at CBP headquarters, Alliance to Combat Transnational Threats, assistant attaché for CBP in Canada, acting executive director within CBP’s Office of Trade, and most recently as Chief Patrol Agent for Blaine Sector in Washington State.
“Pete Vasquez is a Border Patrol agent’s agent,” said CBP Commissioner Scott. “He has spent more than two decades leading from the front, earning the respect of the workforce, and delivering results in some of the most challenging operational environments in the country. He understands what this mission demands because he has lived it. There is no one better suited to lead the United States Border Patrol into its next chapter.”
As Chief, Vasquez will oversee nearly 20,000 agents and professional staff nationwide with responsibilities that include combating transnational criminal organizations; disrupting human smuggling; countering narcotics trafficking networks; and safeguarding U.S. sovereignty.
“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,” said Chief Vasquez. “Our agents have never backed down from a challenge, and neither will I. As chief my focus is clear: support our agents, strengthen our operational capabilities, and ensure that U.S. Border Patrol remains the most effective border security force in the world.”
The U.S. Border Patrol was established in 1924 and is responsible for securing nearly 7,000 miles of international land borders and 2,000 miles of coastal waters. CBP employs more than 69,000 people across the nation enforcing safe, lawful travel and trade.
