Victor M. Manjarrez

Chief Victor M. Manjarrez, Jr. is the Associate Director of the Center for Law & Human Behavior (CLHB) at the University of Texas at El Paso. The CLHB focuses on research, education, and outreach which encompass:  Behavior, law & the homeland security enterprise; Trade & Travel; Threat & Risk Management; Professional Development; and key Partnerships.

Chief Victor Manjarrez, Jr. served for more than 20 years in the United States Border Patrol and filled key operational roles both in the field and at Headquarters over the course of his extensive homeland security career. Many of his innovative border security methods and ideas are still the basic cornerstones for the U.S. Border Patrol. Due to Chief Manjarrez’s subject matter expertise in developing complex and innovative homeland security practices he was consistently recognized as one of DHS’ most dynamic and innovative operational leaders.

Most recently in government, Mr. Manjarrez served in the Senior Executive Service as the Chief Patrol Agent of the Tucson Sector, the nation’s most dynamic, complex, and challenging sector and was named the lead Federal official in Arizona by DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano. In this capacity, Mr. Manjarrez was responsible for more than 4,000 employees and an annual budget of over $500 million. Earlier in his Border Patrol career, Mr. Manjarrez held numerous managerial and supervisory posts at headquarters and in other Border Patrol sectors across the country.

Mr. Manjarrez received his Bachelor’s of Arts in Social & Criminal Justice from Ashford University. He also earned a Master’s of Art Degree in Homeland Security from American Military University. Mr. Manjarrez is also a graduate of Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government Senior Executive Fellows Program.  He is currently pursuing a Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and Administration at the University of Texas at El Paso.