EXCLUSIVE — U.S. Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz will step down from his post atop the 19,000-person law enforcement organization in the coming weeks following nearly two years at his post, the Washington Examiner has learned.

Ortiz, an agent of 32 years, shared during a phone call early Tuesday afternoon with several dozen regional chiefs, deputy chiefs, and headquarters officials that he would retire at the end of June, according to one person who was on the call. A second source confirmed that the call took place and Ortiz made the announcement.

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At 8 p.m. ET, Ortiz emailed a letter to staff confirming that he had chosen to retire and would do so on June 30.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas had tapped Ortiz to replace then-Chief Rodney Scott in June 2021. Ortiz was promoted into the job in August 2021 from his post as deputy chief.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection did not comment on the matter.

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This story is developing and will be updated.