On November 7, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) welcomed a new leader at its Presidio port of entry as Benito Reyes Jr. took the oath of office in a formal ceremony held at the Presidio Activity Center. The event, attended by family, colleagues, and local dignitaries, marked a significant leadership transition underpinned by CBP’s commitment to enhancing border security and operational efficiency.
Port Director Reyes, under the administration of El Paso Director of Field Operations Hector Mancha, pledged to foster greater collaboration with community stakeholders and port personnel to balance secure borders with the facilitation of legitimate trade and travel. “It is truly an honor to lead the dedicated men and women of U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Presidio,” Reyes expressed during his inaugural address.
In his role, Reyes will oversee the comprehensive operations and enforcement activities at the Presidio port of entry and the Boquillas international crossing, guiding CBP officers, Agriculture Specialists, and Canine Enforcement Officers. His responsibilities will encompass the implementation of policies and the management of quality to ensure the safety and legality of entries into the United States.
Reyes’s robust career began in 1997 as an inspector at the Laredo Port of Entry and has spanned various key positions within CBP and its precursor, the U.S. Customs Service. His experience includes significant roles in trade operations and enforcement programs at multiple ports of entry, as well as international assignments in Thailand, Tokyo, and Toronto. Most recently, Reyes served as a Supervisory CBP Officer at the Port of Calexico, California.
A veteran of the United States Army, Reyes brings 16 years of military service to his new role, highlighting a career dedicated to national service. Originally from Edinburg, Texas, Reyes is supported by his family, including two sons currently serving in the U.S. Army.
The change of command ceremony is part of CBP’s broader initiative to solidify agency unity and mission focus, reflecting its ongoing evolution since its formation in 2003. This tradition underscores CBP’s commitment to recognizing its growth as a protector of the nation’s borders and its dedication to advancing standards and policies that support its critical security functions.
