PERSON: Manuel Padilla

DHS, US Border Patrol

Chief of the Rio Grande Valley Sector, Leader Joint Task Force-West

Chief Padilla started his Border Patrol career on August 11, 1986, and was assigned to the Sierra Blanca, Texas, station. In 1990, he completed the Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC) course and served as a Tactical Procedures Officer to police forces from numerous countries.

Throughout his 32-year career, Chief Padilla has held a number of key leadership positions to include Chief Patrol Agent and Deputy Chief Patrol Agent, Tucson Sector; Chief Patrol Agent, New Orleans Sector; Associate Chief, Office of Border Patrol, Washington D.C.; Patrol Agent in Charge, Ysleta Station, El Paso Sector; Assistant Patrol Agent in Charge, Deming Station, El Paso Sector; Patrol Agent in Charge, Presidio Station, Marfa Sector; Field Operations Supervisor, BORTAC, El Paso, Texas; and Border Patrol Agent Canine Handler.

Chief Padilla is a graduate of the CBP Senior Executive Candidate Development Program. Prior to joining the Border Patrol, he served in the U.S. Army for two years.

Chief Padilla will continue to serve the Rio Grande Valley Sector as the Chief Patrol Agent until the official appointment date is set as the Director of the Joint Task Force – West.

— cbp.gov