Michael Banks

Mike Banks is the Special Advisor to the Governor on Border Matters, serving as the State of Texas first-ever Border Czar. As an award-winning Border Patrol Agent, with decades of federal law enforcement and border security experience, Mike was the perfect choice to oversee Texas' fight against the surge of illegal immigration, lethal drugs, and deadly weapons flowing into our state and nation.

Professional History

Mike Banks of Mercedes, TX is a former U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) Agent with over three decades of federal law enforcement leadership experience, with 24 years in border security operations and administration along the United States-Mexico border. Prior to becoming the Special Advisor to the Governor on Border Matters he served as the Patrol Agent in Charge of the Weslaco Border Patrol Station. He previously served as Acting Deputy Chief of Law Enforcement Operational Programs at the USBP headquarters in Washington, D.C., USBP McAllen Border Patrol Station Patrol Agent in Charge, USBP Rio Grande Valley Sector Executive Officer and Acting Division Chief, and other various USBP leadership positions in Texas, Arizona, and California. He is also a former member of the U.S. Navy Military Police. Banks holds an associate degree in Administration of Justice from Southwestern College in Chula Vista, California, a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership from South Texas College, and numerous other awards from the U.S. Navy and USBP.

Mr. Banks was selected by Governor Abbott for this position. Mr. Banks priority is and will continue to be border security. Protecting our nation’s border is something Mr. Banks has dedicated the last 24 years of his life to, in which he continues to be very passionate about.

Securing our Future

Mr. Banks looks forward to continuing strengthening 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. Mr. Banks reports directly to Governor Abbott to ensure border security strategies are fully executed in Texas in the absence of meaningful federal action. He collaborates daily with TMD, DPS, and other state agencies, local officials, and Texas landowners to carry out Operation Lone Star's mission of deterring and repelling migrants from illegally crossing into Texas from Mexico. Mr. Banks also advises the Governor on border security situations and strategies, including the planning of operations ahead of migrant surges. To best serve Texans and Americans, Mr. Banks is based out of McAllen and travels along the border, and state, as necessary.