Chief Michael W. Banks, Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, shared updates on law enforcement activities and concerns regarding public safety in a series of posts on his official Twitter account between January 17 and 18, 2026.
On January 17, Banks described a recent meeting with Commander Bovino in Minneapolis, highlighting ongoing cooperation with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) partners. He stated: "Yesterday, I met Commander Bovino in Minneapolis to meet with our agents and DHS law enforcement partners. We remain unified in our mission to protect our country, support our agents, and enforce the law. We will not be intimidated out of this city, or any other city. We swore an" (posted January 17, 2026).
Later that day, Banks reported on the arrest of a Surenos 13 gang member in Fort Myers, Florida. According to his post: "A Surenos 13 gang member was arrested in Fort Myers, FL, after local police teamed up with USBP to identify him. Record checks revealed he’s a Mexican national illegally in the U.S., previously deported, with a criminal history including possession of a controlled substance and" (posted January 17, 2026).
On January 18, Banks referenced an interview with One America News where he discussed increasing violence against federal law enforcement officers. He wrote: "In my interview with One America News, I addressed the rise in violence against federal law enforcement, emphasizing that misinformation and false narratives are undermining public safety. As Border Patrol Agents, we enforce the law with professionalism and restraint, using force" (posted January 18, 2026).
Banks’ statements come amid heightened scrutiny over border security operations and collaboration between local police forces and federal agencies such as U.S. Border Patrol and DHS—a partnership often emphasized by officials as critical for addressing transnational crime and ensuring community safety.
