U.S. Border Patrol Chief announces retirement plans

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After 29 years of service with the U.S. Border Patrol, Chief Jason Owens announced Friday that he will be retiring on April 30.

His career with the CBP started when he was 21 years old.

Speaking to Sydney Hernandez of the local ValleyCentral.com, Owens said, “It was 1996 and I had never even heard of the Border Patrol. I was at a career fair, I saw the flyers, I saw horses, motorcycles, 4x4s and that attracted me immediately. I said sign me up.”

Over his career, Owens has worked in nine different Border Patrol sectors, and has held different ranks of high authority. He was promoted to Border Patrol Chief in 2023.

Paying tribute to the men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol, Owens said, “It has been the greatest privilege to be counted among their rank and be counted alongside them. I could not be prouder of what they do every day. I look forward to seeing what the next generation does. It’s mind-blowing to see what they do. As I join the retired agents, sitting on the sidelines, they’ll always have a brother cheering them on, and I can’t wait to see what they do.”

In a separate interview with Fox News reporter Griff Jenkins, Owens said leaving was “bittersweet,” then added, “But at the same time, it’s a happy one because I feel like I made my difference, and it’s time to hand it off to the next generation.”

Recalling the massive surge of illegal aliens pouring across the border during Joe Biden’s first year in office, Owens said the overworked border agents had to do everything from caring for babies to apprehending gang members and felons.

“That takes a toll on anybody. And what I saw was those men and women deal with that not just once in a while, but daily and every single day. No matter how frustrated they got, they get up the next morning, they put that uniform on and they went out there and they give 100%. I owed them 100% as well,” he recalled.

More from News Nation correspondent Ali Bradley, who has covered the illegal immigration crisis extensively:

Agents tell me they are surprised that current @USBPChief Jason Owens is leaving as they believe he did a good job advocating for agents while also doing what the administration required—Chief Owens was widely respected by agents I talk to.

The USBP Chief position for the first time was appointed meaning Owens will be the last “career chief” of the patrol—In the past, it has always been a career position. Chief Owens tells me he will officially retire April 30th. Sources tell me the Trump Administration is cleaning house and they want nothing to do with the Biden Administration or those who worked within it—Despite it not being an appointed position back then.

Chief Owens (former BORTAC and BORSTAR) tells me someone had to lead the patrol through the tough times otherwise it may have been damaged beyond repair—Now it’s about moving forward, positively, “Main priority is to start these next four years off in a positive way. After everything we’ve been through these past several years, the Patrol deserves some happy times for a while!”

He advocated hard for agents to be front and center during @realDonaldTrump inauguration—Including K9 Yoda and the Horse Patrol unit embroiled in controversy over misconstrued photos involving migrants from Haiti—Chief Owens says the agents deserve to know America loves them and has their back.

Full disclosure: I have been working with Jason Owens at the border since the tragedy in Uvalde in May of 2022, when he was Del Rio Sector chief. He has always been transparent and honest with me—So has his wife @CasandraLGarcia — I am praying God guides their next steps as they prepare to set out on a new journey. Good luck, Chief and Cass 🫡

Bradley further announced that Texas Border Czar Mike Banks will replace Owens as the US Border Patrol Chief under the Trump administration.

“Banks is a former Border Patrol agent and was instrumental in expanding the governor’s “Operation Lone Star” which included installing the buoy barrier. Banks’ hard-line stance mirrors the Trump Admin’s when it comes to border security,” Bradley wrote.

Earlier this week, Owens announced plans for the Border Patrol to participate in President Trump’s inauguration parade:

Honoring over 100 years of service and dedication to our nation, the U.S. Border Patrol is proud to participate in the 60th Presidential Inaugural Parade!

Representing USBP for this historic event:
• Horse Patrol Agents: Led by Chiefs Owens and Padilla, showcasing the rich tradition of Horse Patrol across sectors.
• Detroit Special Operations: Driving a BORTAC Bearcat alongside K9 Yoda, the hero who helped capture a notorious prison escapee in 2023.
• USBP Recruiters: Showcasing our commitment to building the future workforce.
• Pipes and Drums Members: Joining the CBP team to honor our heritage through music.
• Honor Guard Members: Presenting the Colors with pride and precision.

For over a century, the U.S. Border Patrol has stood strong, protecting our nation with honor and service.

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