USBP Chief Jason Owens announces retirement after 29 years

McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A career dedicated to service and patriotism is nearing its final chapter for the highest-ranking Border Patrol Agent in the United States. 

After nearly three decades, U.S. Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens is set to retire in April. 

It was a decision made by an ambitious 21-year-old who had never been to the border, that would ultimately change Owens's life forever. 

"It was 1996 and I had never even heard of the Border Patrol," said Owens, "I was at a career fair, I saw the flyers, I saw horses, motorcycles, 4x4s and that attracted me immediately. I said sign me up."

29 years later, the moments that Owens experienced are one for the books. Chief Owens is only the 26th person in the entire country to lead the Border Patrol.

Throughout his tenure, Owens has held different ranks of high authority and worked in nine different Border Patrol sectors.

"You never think you'll have a chance to see what you get to see or do what you get to do. I was able to be with true patriots fighting for America, in the Middle East, the Caribbeans, and Central and South America, able to protect our home, to make an impact like that. It's hard to put a finger on something that's the most special," said Owens. 

Owens has completed training in both BORTAC, Border Patrol's Tactical Unit and BORSTAR, its Search Trauma and Rescue Units.

He is only one of about two dozen agents with this training. 

"We're doing targeted operations against the cartel, sexual predators, that's what those men and women are doing every day, they are literally keeping this country safe, and that's because so much of it isn't seen by the public, because it's such a daily routine," said Owens. 

Owens says the biggest honor of it all has been to be on the frontline with the men and women who put Honor First. 

"It has been the greatest privilege to be counted among their rank and be counted alongside them. I could not be prouder of what they do every day. I look forward to seeing what the next generation does. It's mind-blowing to see what they do. As I join the retired agents, sitting on the sidelines, they'll always have a brother cheering them on, and I can't wait to see what they do," said Owens. 

Chief Owen's last day will be April 30th. 

He says he is looking forward to spending time with his wife at their home in Del Rio, Texas and spending time with their kids and grandkids.