U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has appointed Michael Quinonez as the new Santa Teresa Port Director. The change of command ceremony took place on July 10 at the Dona Ana War Eagle Air Museum, attended by family, friends, colleagues, and local dignitaries.
The event featured the CBP Honor Guard, the national anthem, and remarks from El Paso Director of Field Operations Hector Mancha. During the ceremony, Mr. Quinonez accepted the El Paso Field Office guidon from DFO Mancha and was sworn in by him. In his address to attendees, Mr. Quinonez expressed his gratitude for the position.
“I am truly honored and humbled to accept the role of Port Director for U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Area Port of Santa Teresa, New Mexico,” said CBP Santa Teresa Port Director Michael Quinonez. “Taking on this role is both a privilege and a responsibility I do not take lightly.”
As port director, Mr. Quinonez will focus on preventing terrorists or weapons from entering the United States daily. He will also manage immigration issues related to entry into the country and oversee customs and agriculture inspections at ports of entry.
Mr. Quinonez brings over 23 years of experience in various operational environments to his new role. He began his government career in 2002 with CBP at the Area Port of Douglas, Arizona. His previous position was Supervisory Program Manager at the Tucson Field Office.
His responsibilities included overseeing eight ports of entry across Arizona and managing several critical operational programs such as the Special Response Team and Tactical Terrorism Response Teams.
He has played significant roles in programs like the Immigration Advisory Program and Joint Security Program at CBP Headquarters. Notably, he led efforts in implementing biometric systems at land border ports.
CBP's formal change of command ceremonies were adopted in 2008 to unify its workforce and highlight its mission since its inception in March 2003.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection remains America's largest law enforcement organization with over 65,000 personnel dedicated to securing borders while facilitating lawful travel and trade.
