Carla Provost Named First Female Border Patrol Chief

Commissioner Kevin K. McAleenan on Thursday officially appointed Carla Provost to be the first female Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol. In a statement, he said there was “no one more suited to lead the Border Patrol” than Deputy Chief Provost.

“There is no one more suited to lead the Border Patrol,” said Commissioner McAleenan. “It is my distinct honor to appoint Chief Provost to this position. I have absolute confidence in her experience, leadership, judgment and dedication to lead the Border Patrol, as well as her unwavering commitment to our mission, and our agency.”

The 23-year veteran will become the 18th chief of the U.S. Border Patrol. Chief Provost joined the U.S. Border Patrol in 1995 and has served as acting chief of the U.S. Border Patrol since April 2017.

“I am humbled and honored to accept this position and the challenges that come with it.” Chief Provost said in a statement. “The Border Patrol is a family, and I will do everything to live up to this great responsibility and represent my ‘family’ to the best of my ability.”

She also said that improvements to the recruitment of women will be made. While the U.S. Border Patrol has the lowest rate of women serving in all of federal law enforcement — which is roughly 5% — they’ve struggled with attracting both male and female applicants.

And that says nothing of their challenges in retaining them. With Corporate Big Media using the issue of immigration as a weapon against the Trump Administration, the demonization of the U.S. Border Patrol, as well as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), it isn’t the most attractive law enforcement agency to work at.

“I am so proud of the men and women of the Border Patrol. I know first-hand the sacrifices they make every day to protect this country, and recognize the outstanding leadership we have, and the brave and tireless work of our agents,” Chief Provist added. “First and foremost, I want to be able to support our personnel with the resources and equipment they need to do their jobs in a safe and effective manner.”

“Our people are our most important resource, and supporting them is my primary responsibility.”