(GoRealNewsNow.com) – BREAKING NEWS NOW: U.S. Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz is stepping down at the end of June, according to an internal agency email obtained by numerous news organizations.
Ortiz has been in charge of the agency during record surges in illegal immigration, with the Border Patrol recording more than 2.2 million illegal alien encounters in fiscal year 2022 at the southern border, according to agency data.
To date, in fiscal year 2023, agents have recorded more than 1.2 million encounters with border jumpers.
In his email announcing his departure, Ortiz wrote, “After a 32-year Border Patrol career spanning multiple Sectors, HQ tours, and overseas assignments in Afghanistan, I have decided to retire from federal service on June 30th.”
He added, “Serving as your Chief has been one of the greatest honors and privileges I have had and please know I will always champion this agency, its mission, and the people who make the Border Patrol everything that it is.”
In a statement acknowledging Ortiz’s departure, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas wrote:
“Chief Ortiz has been a great leader of the men and women of the United States Border Patrol for the past two years, and at every level of the organization throughout his three decades of service. He embodies the core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity, as well as the Border Patrol’s motto: honor first. His steady leadership and operational expertise have greatly benefited the agency, the Department, and the nation — and will continue to influence the Border Patrol well into the future.”
There is no indication of who will step in and run the beleaguered agency.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS REPORT FROM REAL NEWS NOW.
