Jason Owens, a 28-year law enforcement veteran and Senior Executive Service (SES) leader, has been appointed Acting Chief Operating Officer (COO) of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the nation’s largest law enforcement agency. Owens brings a wealth of operational and leadership expertise to this role, honed during a remarkable career that includes serving as the 26th Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol.
Owens, a native of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, has dedicated over 26 years to the Border Patrol. His career began in 1996 and has spanned both northern and southern border assignments, including a leadership position at the U.S. Border Patrol Academy. His tenure as Chief of the Border Patrol saw him overseeing 19,000 agents and personnel, directing operations across the nation to protect U.S. borders and ensure public safety.
Before his role of Chief, Owens led the Del Rio Sector in Texas, one of the busiest and most complex areas along the U.S.-Mexico border. Under his leadership, the sector handled significant challenges, including record-breaking encounters and enforcement actions, while maintaining operational effectiveness and workforce resilience.
As Acting COO, Owens will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of CBP’s vast mission, which encompasses border security, trade facilitation, and immigration enforcement. With more than 60,000 employees and a budget exceeding $17 billion, CBP is a critical component of the nation’s homeland security architecture. Owens’ role will include strategic oversight of operations, resources, and personnel to advance CBP’s mission of safeguarding the U.S. while enabling lawful trade and travel. He holds a Master’s degree in National Security Strategy from the National Defense University.