LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol held an official Change of Command ceremony today at Laredo Community College. U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael J. Fisher and Joint Task Force-West, Director Robert L. Harris participated in the ceremony, which formally installed Chief Patrol Agent Mario Martinez as the head of Laredo Sector. As the Chief Patrol Agent, Mr. Martinez is responsible for directing U.S. Border Patrol operations along the 171- mile stretch of the U.S./Mexico Border and commands over 1,800 agents and support personnel combined. He has more than 26 years of service with the U.S. Border Patrol as part of his combined 34 years of federal service.
Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol Michael Fisher presents guidon to Laredo Sector Chief Patrol Agent Mario Martinez in Change of Command ceremony.
“I am honored to lead the men and women of the Laredo Sector Border Patrol. I look forward to working with our law enforcement partners to integrate operations that are beneficial to the community in which we serve,” said Chief Martinez.
Chief Martinez entered on duty with the U.S. Border Patrol October 24, 1988, as a member and honor graduate of Class 232. His first duty assignment as a Border Patrol Agent was at the Las Cruces, New Mexico Border Patrol Station, in the El Paso Sector. Chief Martinez came to Laredo from the Detroit Sector, where he served as Chief Patrol Agent since 2013. Throughout his 26-year career, Chief Martinez has been pivotal in structuring and increasing operational efficiency in programs he administered. He has held various distinguished positions prior to his appointment to the Senior Executive Service and selected as the Chief of the Laredo Sector.
He is a 2010 graduate of the CBP Command Leadership Academy and a 2013 graduate of the CBP Leadership Institute. Chief Martinez is a recipient of two Commissioner’s Awards. Prior to joining the Border Patrol, he served on active duty with the U.S. Marine Corps for more than seven years. His service in the Marine Corps included assignments across the United States, Europe, and Southwest Asia from January 1981 through November 1988.
The Change of Command ceremony is a long-standing tradition and symbolizes the transfer of responsibility to the incoming Chief Patrol Agent. It also allows Border Patrol agents assigned to Laredo Sector to participate in the transition of leadership. During the ceremony Chief Fisher pinned the Chief Patrol Agent badge on Chief Martinez, who then reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the borders of the United States by reciting the Oath of Office. The ceremony was attended by numerous federal, state, and local partners and stakeholders.