Yuma Sector Border Patrol names new chief patrol agent

Chris T. Clem has been named Yuma Sector’s Chief Patrol Agent, bringing 25 years of Border Patrol experience to the post.

Authorities noted Clem’s career includes a variety of leadership roles involving serving as senior patrol agent, supervisory border patrol agent, field operations supervisor, patrol agent in charge, as well as associate, assistant, and deputy chief patrol agent. He has also worked as a canine handler, an intelligence agent, and a firearms instructor.

Clem previously served as acting chief patrol agent for the Big Bend Sector and replaces Anthony Porvaznik, who recently retired after five and a half years in the position.

A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, who grew up in Houston, Texas, authorities said Clem is a graduate of Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice and a Master of Science in leadership management.

He has been assigned to Border Patrol stations in Lordsburg, New Mexico; Casa Grande, Arizona; and several locations across the southern Texas border. Additionally, he has worked at the U.S Border Patrol Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Yuma Sector includes 126 miles of international border with Mexico with an area of responsibility covering 181,000 square miles. Yuma, Wellton, and Blythe serve as stations while there are three checkpoints operated by over 700 Border Patrol agents.