U.S. Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks announced his resignation Thursday, stepping down from the position he has held for approximately a year and a half.

Banks notified staff of his decision in an email to colleagues, describing his tenure as "the honor of my lifetime." He told Fox News that he felt "it's just time" to leave the role.

The departure comes amid what sources describe as a series of exits by immigration officials. Banks had overseen border enforcement operations during a period of significant policy focus on immigration enforcement.

In his Fox News interview, Banks characterized his tenure as transforming the border "from the least secure, most disastrous, most chaotic border to the most secure border this country has ever seen." He cited his extensive career in public service, spanning over 37 years.

Banks was appointed to lead the Border Patrol in 2023. His resignation takes effect immediately, according to reports from multiple news outlets.

The Guardian reported that Banks' departure occurred weeks after unspecified allegations surfaced, though other sources did not mention this connection to his resignation timing.