U.S. Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz told his colleagues Tuesday that he has decided to retire, FOX News has confirmed.
Ortiz, who manages roughly 20,000 Border Patrol agents as the law enforcement arm of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, informed his colleagues in a note Tuesday that he would be retiring effective Friday, June 30.
He also said in the note that serving as Border Patrol chief, a post he held since he was appointed in August 2021, has "been one of the greatest honors and privileges."
"I leave at ease, knowing we have a tremendous uniformed and professional workforce, strong relationships with our union partners, and outstanding leaders who will continue to tirelessly advocate for you each day," Ortiz said in the note.Ortiz navigated the Border Patrol through the COVID-19 pandemic and Title 42 emergency health restrictions. He has also been vocal about the Border Patrol’s struggle to maintain operational control of the United States-Mexico border.
