EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Michael Quinonez was sworn in as the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) new Santa Teresa Port director during a formal change of command ceremony on Thursday morning, July 10.
The event took place took place at the War Eagles Air Museum, located at 8012 Airport Rd., and included the CBP Honor Guard posting the colors, the national anthem and remarks from El Paso Director of Field Operations Hector Mancha.
In addition, the ceremony included the passing of the El Paso Field Office guidon from Mancha to Quinonez, the CBP said.
“I am truly honored and humbled to accept the role of Port Director for U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Area Port of Santa Teresa, New Mexico. Standing before you, I’m reminded of the dedication, sacrifice, and professionalism that defines our organization,” Quinonez said. “Taking on this role is both a privilege and a responsibility I do not take lightly.”
Some of the new responsibilities Quinonez will be in charge of are the customs and agriculture inspections at the port of entry, the CBP said.
According to the CBP, Quinonez began his career with the department at the Port of Douglas, Arizona, in 2002.
Quinonez brings over 23 years of service and brings experience in multiple operational environments, including land, commercial and international operations, the CBP said.
The CPB says, prior to his new role, Quinonez was the supervisory program manager at the Tucson Field Office. During his tenure, he was the border security coordinator and oversaw the Special Response Team, Tactical Terrorism Response Teams, Confidential Human Source Handler Program, CBP Task Force Officers, the Tucson Operations Center, and Tactical Analytical Intelligence Units.
Additionally, Quinonez held key roles in the Immigration Advisory Program, Joint Security Program, and at CBP Headquarters. He also implemented the Simplified Arrival and Biometric Entry-Exit system at land border ports of entry, the CBP said.
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