Ronald D. Vitiello

Advisor

Former Chief of U.S. Border Patrol, CBP Deputy Commissioner and Acting Director at ICE

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 U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the creation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). He was named Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol in February 2017.

While in leadership at Border Patrol Mr. 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 Mr. Vitiello developed a human capital project that raised employee satisfaction nearly 20%. He served for 33 years with 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.

Mr. Vitiello 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.

Mr. Vitiello is married with two children and is a native of Chicago, Illinois. In April 2019 he retired concluding more than three decades of public service. Mr. Vitiello joined Dignari’s advisory board in February 2020 to assist by providing expertise in border security, strategies, trade and organizational leadership. He continues to advocate for his former federal colleagues and smart border and immigration policies.