Immigration
Texas Governor Abbott names first border czar to curb immigration
The governor named Mike Banks, a former U.S. Border Patrol Agent in Charge with more than three decades of experience, as the state's first-ever border czar
January 31, 2023 6:31pm
Updated: February 13, 2023 2:17pm
Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Monday announced the new position of Texas Border Czar to help curb undocumented immigration and drug smuggling along the U.S.-Mexico border.
The governor named Mike Banks, a former U.S. Border Patrol Agent in Charge with more than three decades of experience, as the state's first-ever border czar and Special Advisor on Border Matters to the Governor.
"For nearly two years, the State of Texas has taken unprecedented, historic action under Operation Lone Star in response to the Biden Administration's refusal to secure the border," said Governor Abbott in a press release.
“As an award-winning Border Patrol Agent, with decades of federal law enforcement and border security experience, Mike is the perfect choice to oversee Texas' fight against the surge of illegal immigration, lethal drugs, and deadly weapons flowing into our state and nation. I have no doubt that Mike's strong record of leadership and wealth of experience will provide Texans—and Americans—the level of border security expertise they deserve from a proper Border Czar," he added.
The border czar is expected to cooperate with TMD, DPS, state agencies, and landowners to ensure border security strategies and deter undocumented migrants from crossing the border. Banks will be based out of Weslaco, about five miles from the border, and will report directly to Governor Abbott.
Meet Mike Banks — the first-ever Texas Border Czar.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) January 31, 2023
Mike is the perfect choice to help boost our historic border security mission.
He's gone toe-to-toe with the cartels & WON.
Learn more about our new Border Czar: https://t.co/Fg1g20mfpv
"I am humbled to be selected by Governor Abbott for this opportunity," said Border Czar Banks. "Protecting our nation’s border is something I have dedicated the last 23 years of my life to, and I am very passionate about it. I look forward to strengthening our relationships with law enforcement partners and the community, leveraging all that we can to further protect our great state of Texas and the United States."
