EDINBURG, Texas — Kevin W. Oaks, Chief Patrol Agent of the Rio Grande Valley Sector is retiring after 30 years of service to the US Border Patrol. Oaks’ last day on duty will be June 25, 2015. “I would like to thank Chief Oaks for his dedication to mission and commitment to excellence,” said Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol Michael J. Fisher.
Rio Grande Valley Sector Chief Patrol Agent Kevin W. Oaks
Before becoming Chief of the Rio Grande Valley Sector, Kevin W. Oaks served as the Operations Division Chief, Office of Border Patrol in Washington, D.C. His distinguished career in the Border Patrol has included a variety of supervisory, managerial, and leadership positions, including Chief Patrol Agent of the Buffalo Sector and Commander of the Border Patrol Tactical Unit. He has served a total of 34 years with the federal government, including his service in the U.S. Marine Corps.
As Chief Patrol Agent of RGV Sector, Oaks managed more than 3,000 Border Patrol agents and had oversight of nine Border Patrol stations, three traffic checkpoints and an intelligence office. The Rio Grande Valley Sector encompasses more than 34,000 square miles in 34 Texas counties, shares 316 river miles with Mexico, and covers 317 coastal miles. The sector also incorporates the use of unprecedented technology and tactical infrastructure to help secure the borders of the United States.
Under CPA Oaks’ leadership, RGV Sector was able manage an unprecedented influx of unaccompanied children and family units within fiscal year 2014. His expertise as a high level manager was crucial in formulating an effective and efficient plan of action in order to mitigate the situation, along the way, becoming a beloved member of the South Texas community.
RGV Sector was able to acquire five aerostat surveillance platforms that have been a valuable resource in providing enhanced situational awareness within our area of responsibility. Also notable, under his command, RGV Sector increased its transparency to the local community, media and stakeholders by providing all available information referencing critical incidents involving the RGV Sector Border Patrol. “After retirement, I plan on staying here in the Rio Grande Valley, it’s a beautiful place,” said Chief Patrol Agent Kevin W. Oaks.