Chief Rosario “Pete” Vasquez

Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, honored to lead the elite men and the women of the USBP in securing our nation’s border.

[Chief Rosario “Pete” Vasquez @USBPChief]

As of June 1, 2026, all content on this account will be attributed to Chief Rosario “Pete” Vasquez, 28th Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol.

With more than 26 years of service to the U.S. Border Patrol, I am proud to lead this exceptional workforce.

Together, we’ll remain steadfast in our mission to secure the border, pursue operational excellence, and foster ingenuity—with unwavering commitment, professionalism, and integrity.

#HonorFirst

[Chief Rosario “Pete” Vasquez @USBPChief]

A human smuggler thought he could ditch his vehicle, run, hide, and not get caught—WRONG.
When TX DPS initiated a stop, the Mexican national truck driver abruptly parked his truck and fled into the brush, leaving behind 20 illegal aliens inside his tractor cab.
USBP quickly deployed several resources to locate and apprehend the driver, and he now faces state human smuggling charges.
All 20 illegal aliens were taken into USBP custody and are facing deportation.

@USBPChiefLRT

[Chief Rosario “Pete” Vasquez @USBPChief]

DEPORTED: CONVICTED CHILD PREDATOR ✈️
USBP took custody of a Mexican national upon his release from prison in West Palm Beach, FL, where he served time for possession of child pornography.
He is now being processed for immediate deportation from the U.S.
Immigration detainers and strong partnerships with state and local law enforcement are crucial for holding criminal aliens accountable and ensuring they don’t slip back into our communities.

@USBPChiefMIP

[Chief Rosario “Pete” Vasquez @USBPChief]

Agents apprehended a convicted criminal near Fort Hancock, TX, after he attempted to enter the U.S. illegally. Record checks revealed that the Mexican national had been convicted of reckless homicide—causing death while operating a vehicle intoxicated—and sentenced to 10 years in prison. His criminal record also includes arrests for burglary, obstructing an officer, and DUI.

He is now facing prosecution for illegal reentry, followed by deportation.

[Chief Rosario “Pete” Vasquez @USBPChief]

FROM THE STREETS TO THE FRONTLINES: MEET CHLOE

We are incredibly proud to introduce Chloe, the first-ever rescue dog to be certified as a USBP Critical Incident Response K9.

The USBP Canine Academy and the El Paso Rescue League partnered to give dogs like Chloe a stable and safe place to belong—a second chance.
Today, she has a badge and a vital mission: to provide comfort and support to our agents and their families during difficult times.

Welcome to the team, Chloe. 🐶

@USBPK9Training @USBPChiefNLL

[Chief Rosario “Pete” Vasquez @USBPChief]

A 25-year-old Mexican national responsible for a stash house near El Paso, TX, was arrested for harboring three illegal aliens, including two unaccompanied minors.

The caretaker admitted to concealing at least five illegal aliens per week at the apartment and making an estimated $18,000 in three months. What seemed like easy money ended in federal custody, facing alien smuggling charges. The three illegal aliens will be processed and deported from the U.S.

[Chief Rosario “Pete” Vasquez @USBPChief]

SHUTDOWN: STASH HOUSE OPERATION 🚨

What started as a single human smuggling event quickly turned into something bigger in Laredo, TX.

Agents followed leads to a location where seven more illegal aliens were being held.
A total of 8 illegal aliens from Guatemala, Mexico, and El Salvador are now in custody; each will face charges and deportation. Two smugglers were also arrested and are facing alien smuggling charges.

[Chief Rosario “Pete” Vasquez @USBPChief]

A self-admitted member of the La Empresa transnational criminal organization was apprehended after attempting to guide a group of five across the border illegally.
He now faces federal prosecution for alien smuggling, and the five individuals will also be charged with illegal entry. All will be deported.

Those who violate U.S. laws and threaten our communities will face the full weight of the law, followed by swift deportation. No exceptions.

[Chief Rosario “Pete” Vasquez @USBPChief]

Working alongside our law enforcement partners, USBP agents arrested three illegal aliens during a failed human smuggling attempt in a vehicle. This led law enforcement to a stash house near Laredo, TX, where an additional 15 illegal aliens were arrested.

The illegal aliens were reportedly held against their will, locked inside the stash house.

There is no safe haven. If you cross illegally, you will be arrested, prosecuted, and deported.

[Chief Rosario “Pete” Vasquez @USBPChief]

Yesterday, the U.S. Border Patrol honored the lives and legacy of Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Eric Cespedes and Border Patrol Agent David Chris Maland at the Valor Memorial unveiling ceremony. Their names were added alongside those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation and the American people.

Following the unveiling, I had the honor of meeting with the families of the fallen agents—a solemn reminder that their sacrifice will never be forgotten and that their loved ones will always remain part of the U.S. Border Patrol family.

Through remembrance, honor, and unwavering support, the legacy of our fallen heroes lives on.

[Secretary Markwayne Mullin @SecMullinDHS]

It was a true honor to attend the @CBP Valor Memorial and Wreath Laying Ceremony this morning and visit with the families of our fallen heroes.

In 2016, the Lord put a saying on my heart: “love the people, love the call.”

Our CBP officers and their families demonstrate the ultimate act of love by putting their lives on the line to protect their fellow citizens every single day.

Today, we remember Border Patrol Agent David Maland, Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Eric Cespedes, and all of the heroes lost in the line of duty.

We will never forget.

God bless our federal law enforcement.

[Chief Rosario “Pete” Vasquez @USBPChief]

POLICE WEEK: VALOR MEMORIAL & WREATH LAYING 🕊️

Today, the U.S. Border Patrol honored the men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation during the CBP Valor Memorial and Wreath Laying Ceremony.

This year, two additional names were solemnly added to the Valor Memorial — forever joining the ranks of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Their courage, service, and devotion to protecting the American people will never be forgotten. We honor their memory, stand beside their families, and carry forward their legacy each day we wear the badge.

[Chief Rosario “Pete” Vasquez @USBPChief]

POLICE WEEK: FAMILY WELCOME

Over the past several days, the families of our fallen heroes have gathered in Washington, D.C., to honor the lives, service, and sacrifice of their loved ones during National Police Week.

We welcome them with gratitude and respect, and remind them that they do not walk this path alone. We see your strength, share in your pride, and remain humbled by your resilience.

While the nation honors these heroes, we recognize the enduring loss carried by their families. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

[Chief Rosario “Pete” Vasquez @USBPChief]

The Shrine Didn’t Work at this Stash House❗

USBP dismantled a human smuggling operation in Laredo, TX, arresting six illegal aliens and the smuggler responsible for the illegal activity.
All individuals are in custody and facing deportation; however, the smuggler is pending state prosecution for alien smuggling prior to deportation.

Criminal cartel networks are attempting to moving in quietly, operating in your neighborhoods, and exploiting people for profit in plain sight—but we’re not letting that happen.

[Chief Rosario “Pete” Vasquez @USBPChief]

HUMANS ARE NOT CARGO 🚨

A cargo van tried to bypass a USBP checkpoint in Laredo, TX—not with goods, but with people. Agents used a tire deflation device to stop the vehicle. The passengers fled, but all were quickly apprehended: 14 illegal aliens and one U.S. citizen smuggler.

The driver faces alien smuggling charges, and the illegal aliens will be processed for deportation.

[Chief Rosario “Pete” Vasquez @USBPChief]

This Mother’s Day, we recognize the women of the U.S. Border Patrol who uphold our mission with strength, resilience, and unwavering commitment.

Whether at home with their families, maintaining peak readiness, or on the front lines securing our borders, these agents embody the highest standards of service. Their dedication reflects the U.S. Border Patrol’s core mission: protecting the American people.

@USBPChiefYUM @CBP @DHSgov

[Chief Rosario “Pete” Vasquez @USBPChief]

Today, I had the honor of participating in the National Police Week 5K alongside law enforcement partners and supporters from across the country. This event is more than just a race—it is a heartfelt tribute to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

As thousands of us gathered in unity, every step we took served as a powerful reminder that the service and sacrifice of our fallen heroes will never be forgotten.

#NationalPoliceWeek #NPW5K #BorderPatrol #HonorAndRemember

[Chief Rosario “Pete” Vasquez @USBPChief]

In a targeted, multi-agency operation near Key Largo, FL, USBP and our law enforcement partners arrested 38 illegal aliens from eight different countries.

Some of their criminal convictions include:
▪️ Assault
▪️ Burglary
▪️ Battery
▪️ Forgery
▪️ Fraud
▪️ Kidnapping
▪️ Possession with intent to distribute
▪️ Illegal entry

If you cross illegally, you will be targeted, arrested, prosecuted, and deported. The border is closed!

[Chief Rosario “Pete” Vasquez @USBPChief]

Wellton station agents responded to a request from the Mexican Consulate, locating a missing illegal alien abandoned in the remote desert. Despite vague details and challenging terrain, agents found the subject suffering from heat-related stress and coordinated with BORSTAR and EMS for a safe rescue and medical transport.

Border Patrol Agents stand ready to rapidly respond to any call and are trained to save lives in even the most extreme conditions.

[CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott @CBPCommissioner]

Every mile of border wall adds another layer of security for our agents, our communities, and our nation.