By Steve Neavling
Ticklethewire.com
Carla Provost has been named the first woman to lead the Border Patrol in its 94-year history.
Provost, who began her career with the agency in 1995, takes over during one of the most contentious times for the Border Patrol, which has come under immense fire for its handling of families of undocumented immigrants.
The previous 17 Border Patrol chiefs have been men.
“There is no one more suited to lead the Border Patrol,” Border Patrol Commissioner McAleenan said in a news release. “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.”
During her 23 years at the agency, Provost served many roles, beginning her career at the Douglas Station in the Tucson Sector, working with a bicycle unit and ascending the ladder to numerous key leadership position in some of the busiest sectors.
Provost said she felt “humbled and proud” to take over.
“I couldn’t be prouder to have the opportunity to be the voice for the men and women on the frontlines of the U.S. Border Patrol,” Provost said. “I want to ensure that we are and that we remain the best trained, the best equipped, and the most professional law enforcement agency in the country. And that we continue to adhere to our core values of integrity, vigilance, service to country as we work to secure the border and to secure the nation.”
Provost said women hold only about 5% of the Border Patrol’s ranks, but she expressed confidence that more women will climb the ranks.
The agency has been increasing its efforts to hire more women.
