Ron Vitiello

Ronald D. Vitiello began his 34 years of government service in Laredo, Texas, entering on duty with the U.S. Border Patrol in 1985, a member of Class 174. Since then, he has held numerous leadership positions, including Chief Patrol Agent positions in Swanton, Vermont, and the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Mr. Vitiello was one of the key contributors to the unification of CBP and the creation of the Department of Homeland Security. He was named Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol in February 2017.  While in Leadership at Border Patrol Vitiello oversaw a headquarters strengthening of the chain of command, the revision of the use of force policy and transparency.  He also shepherded the pay reform package passed in congress in 2015.  In 2017 Ronald developed a human capital project that raised employee satisfaction nearly 20%.

Mr. Vitiello served for 33 years with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. Border Patrol most recently as CBP’s Acting Deputy Commissioner. In that role, he assisted the Commissioner in overseeing 60,000 employees, managing a budget of over $13 billion and ensuring the effectiveness of CBP’s efforts to protect national security while promoting economic prosperity and security.

Ronald became Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in June 2018. As ICE’s senior leader, he oversaw a workforce of more than 20,000 officers, special agents, attorneys and mission support professionals with a budget of over $7 billion. He made it a top priority to meet with front line personnel and ensure that employees were heard and supported. He also actively engaged with interagency partners and community stakeholders to promote the importance of ICE’s homeland security and public safety missions.

Vitiello is married to Nuri they have two children, share the life experience of 1st generation Americans, and both were born in Chicago, IL. Ronald and Nuri have tirelessly advocated for the families of the fallen and current agents and their loved ones. In April 2019 Ronald retired concluding more than three decades of public service. After a successful 6 years in the private sector, on January 20, 2025, Ronald was appointed by the President to advise DHS/CBP within the Commissioner’s office to protect, serve and deliver effective border security while advocating support for the vital role CBP plays in protecting the American border and her economic security.