Washington: US Border Patrol chief Michael Banks announced Thursday that he is stepping down from his post effective immediately. "It's just time," Banks told Fox News. "I feel like I got the ship back on course from the least secure, disastrous, chaotic border to the most secure border this country has ever seen." He further stated, "Time to pass the reins, 37 years is time to enjoy the family and life."

According to Anadolu Agency, Banks previously retired from Border Patrol during the Biden administration, citing frustration with what he called the 'destruction' of morale and border security under Biden-era border policies. He expressed concerns over the situation, which he claimed deteriorated further before he returned as chief under the second administration of President Donald Trump.