Trump Administration Names Pete Vasquez Border Patrol Chief

On June 1, U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced Rosario 'Pete' Vasquez will serve as chief of the U.S. Border Patrol.

Vasquez has more than 26 years of Border Patrol experience and most recently led the Blaine Sector in Washington, CBP said.

Vasquez said he was "grateful for the trust" of President Trump, DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott and pledged to support agents and strengthen operational capabilities.

CBP said Vasquez will oversee nearly 20,000 to over 20,000 agents and staff across nearly 7,000 miles of land borders and approximately 2,000 miles of coastal waters and lead efforts to disrupt smuggling.

Vasquez succeeds Mike Banks, who stepped down in May after 15 months in the role, and will lead ongoing operations to combat transnational criminal organizations, human smuggling and narcotics trafficking, CBP said.