Chief Michael W. Banks, Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, posted a series of statements on his official Twitter account between July 13 and July 15, 2026, addressing border security operations and recent enforcement actions.
On July 13, Banks wrote: “The Border is Closed. This is how the story ends: handcuffed and deported. La frontera está cerrada. Asi es como termina la historia: esposado y deportado.”
In a follow-up post on July 14, he commented on public reactions to border enforcement measures, “The comments don’t go unnoticed. Call them what you want… we’ll call them part of the mission. Every asset deployed along the border supports our mission to deter illegal entry, enhance border security, and protect the American people.” The tweet also tagged the White House, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
On July 15, Banks reported an apprehension in New Mexico: “DANGEROUS CRIMINAL ILLEGAL ALIEN APPREHENDED! In Santa Teresa, NM, agents intercepted a previously deported criminal alien attempting to re-enter the U.S. The Mexican national has a history of violent crime, including a conviction for assault with a deadly weapon, serving four”.
These statements come amid ongoing efforts by U.S. authorities to secure the southern border through increased personnel deployments and enhanced surveillance technology.