With more than 40 years of federal service, Mr. Padilla possesses a deep understanding of evolving security threats and challenges. He leverages unconventional strategies to deliver comprehensive security solutions across multiple industries and domains. His extensive expertise in risk assessments, threat mitigation, and strategic planning has earned him a reputation for providing practical, customized solutions that enhance the safety of the American people. Mr. Padilla continues to set new standards in the security field, offering forward‑thinking approaches that adapt to the ever‑changing landscape of security needs.

 

Throughout his distinguished federal career with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Mr. Padilla held numerous senior leadership roles. His final appointment was as Senior Advisor to the Commissioner of CBP, where he advanced operational coordination in Mexico and Central America in support of border and national security. Mr. Padilla also served as the Executive Assistant Commissioner (EAC) for CBP Operations Support. In this capacity, he provided leadership and direction across a broad spectrum of mission‑critical capabilities that enable CBP operations, overseeing eight subcomponents: CBP Watch; Laboratories and Scientific Services; Law Enforcement Safety and Compliance; Office of International Affairs; Planning, Analysis, and Requirements Evaluation; Office of the Chief Medical Officer; and the Mission Support Division.

 

Mr. Padilla has served as national level Chief of Law Enforcement Operations, overseeing the day‑to‑day law enforcement activities of twenty‑two (22) Border Patrol Sectors across the United States.

In 2018, he was appointed by the President of the United States as Director of Joint Task Force–West (JTF‑W) under the Department of Homeland Security’s Southern Border and Approaches Campaign Plan and has held the positions of Chief of the New Orleans, Tucson, and Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Sectors.

 

Throughout his career, Mr. Padilla led and implemented numerous initiatives, including national level interagency operations, tactical operations, international engagement and coordination strategies, community engagement programs, and private/public ventures.

 

Mr. Padilla is a graduate of the CBP Senior Executive Service and a recipient of the FY2024 Presidential Rank Award.