EXCLUSIVE — The Trump administration has scrambled behind the scenes to find a new U.S. Border Patrol chief who does not come with a history of scandal and inexperience, as its previous leader did.Three sources familiar with the search process told the Washington Examiner that a final selection has been made, wrapping up a two-week sprint to find a new leader.Rosario “Pete” Vasquez was selected late Thursday as the new national chief of Border Patrol. Vasquez is an agent of 26 years and the chief patrol agent of the Border Patrol’s northwestern region in Blaine, Washington. He previously worked in Yuma, Arizona, and San Diego; at the Border Patrol’s Washington headquarters; and as the assistant attaché for U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Canada.
“I’ve worked with him for many years, and I know him to be a consummate professional who cares about the people,” former Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens wrote in a text message to the Washington Examiner on Friday morning. “I wish him well.”
A CBP official familiar with the decision described Vasquez as a “good man” who “will do well in the position.” A second CBP official described Vasquez as a “straight shooter … no nonsense forward-looking leader, who, as far as I know, is of high moral character.”
