Watch Commander
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Watch Commander Joseph A. Chavez has 20 years of Federal Service with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). He began his career at the Port of Brownsville, Texas. After performing both passenger and cargo responsibilities at the Port of Brownsville, he transferred to a preclearance position in Ottawa, Canada. In 2012, Mr. Chavez transferred to the Area Port of Chicago where he began his role as a first-line supervisor at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. As a first-line supervisor, Mr. Chavez participated in the Air Entry-Exit Biometric initiative.
In April 2013, Mr. Chavez began his tenure at Chicago Midway International Airport and was promoted to Chief CBP Officer in 2015. As the Midway Chief, Mr. Chavez oversaw a CBP facility remodel which brought Unified Secondary to Midway. In 2018, Mr. Chavez oversaw the construction of a General Aviation Facility located at Gary/Chicago International Airport.
In January 2023, Mr. Chavez accepted a Watch Commander position, managing critical operational areas within the Port of Chicago which include commercial air, general aviation, and seaport arrivals. He also represents CBP during engagements with airline stakeholders, law enforcement partners, local agencies, and members of the media. In addition, Watch Commander Chavez has served as the liaison to the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
Mr. Chavez is a graduate of Purdue University, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Education.
Disclosure information not submitted.
Government Session: Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Friday, November 1, 2024
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM CDT