WASHINGTON — Four Border Patrol agents who were among those who responded to black migrants crossing the southwest border in Del Rio, Texas, in September face disciplinary action for using or threatening to use force inappropriately against them, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said Friday. an internal investigation.
The aggressive treatment stemmed in part from Border Patrol agents responding to a request from the Texas State Police “that directly conflicted with Border Patrol’s operational objectives,” said Customs Commissioner Chris Magnus. and border protection, at a press conference on Friday.
Although a Border Patrol supervisor approved the order, Magnus said, other senior agency officials were not immediately aware of the directive.
The findings came after a nearly 10-month investigation and were detailed in a 500-page report describing the episode, which crystallized President Biden’s struggle to rebuild an orderly system on the border with Mexico. “A lack of command, control and communication” has led to “the unnecessary use of force against migrants”, the report says.
In addition to conflicting commands, Magnus said, the mounted patrol units that were deployed lacked training and supervision. Although there was no evidence to support the accusations that the migrants were hit with the reins of one of the horses, Mr Magnus said the investigation revealed that some of the officers had acted in a manner unprofessional and made “disparaging” comments.
The four officers have been transferred to administrative positions. Mr. Magnus declined to describe the recommended disciplinary action because the review and appeal process was ongoing.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.