As tensions rise, the potential presidency of Kamala Harris could see a mass resignation from Border Patrol agents who already feel undermined and scapegoated.
At a Glance
- Border patrol agents are considering leaving if Kamala Harris becomes president, feeling unsupported and scapegoated.
- The National Border Patrol Council has endorsed Donald Trump, reflecting their dissatisfaction with current policies.
- Over 4,000 personnel have left the Border Patrol since October 2020 due to morale issues.
- The administration faces criticism for handling border policies that have led to low morale and high turnover.
- Keen observers await potential shifts in immigration policies under new leadership.
Border Security at a Crossroads
Border Patrol agents cite discontent over the policies enacted by the current administration, threatening a mass exodus if Kamala Harris becomes president. The sense of being undermined was highlighted by one agent stating, “I’m not doing this s–t again … four years of hell,” pointing to the strain felt under current leadership. This contrasts with endorsements from the National Border Patrol Council, representing 16,000 agents, for Donald Trump, a clear signal of their trust in his approach.
Since October 2020, the Border Patrol has seen over 4,000 staff departures amidst declining morale. Despite increased hiring incentives, the agency remains short-staffed. Both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have promised more personnel, with Trump proposing an additional 10,000 agents. Meanwhile, the agency struggles with suicides, recording 15 in 2022, leading to the hiring of a suicidologist to address rising suicide rates.
Fact check on Harris speech in Douglas, Arizona:
Today, VP Harris claimed that she played a role in increasing Border Patrol Agent overtime pay.
This couldn't be further from the truth. As with all things border related she was no where to be found when we needed her.
— Border Patrol Union – NBPC (@BPUnion) September 28, 2024
Critics Voice Concerns
The National Border Patrol Council criticized Kamala Harris for allegedly ignoring the border crisis and contributing to it. A quote from the NBPC stated, “Vice President Harris has ignored the border problem she created for over three years. She goes down there for 20 minutes for a photo op…”. Harris, during her border visit, claimed involvement in increasing agents’ overtime pay, a claim the NBPC disputes.
“Vice President Harris has ignored the border problem she created for over three years. She goes down there for 20 minutes for a photo op and decides to repeat some of the things the NPBC has said before. But again, where has she been the last 3 1/2 years?”
Harris’s border visit aimed to balance security reforms while addressing immigration paths, similar to Trump-era measures. The administration is expected to take action, alongside Harris’s campaign strategy focusing on these critical issues. Critics argue that Harris’s acknowledgment of resource needs came too late, as undocumented migrant apprehensions surpassed eight million in the past four years.
U.S. Border Patrol Agents are threatening to quite if Vice President Kamala Harris is elected. “I’m not doing this s–t again … four years of h-ll,” said one agent.
“Lots of guys who can retire will go. If Trump wins, they’ll stay,” said another agent.
Multiple Border Patrol… pic.twitter.com/e1pV6Pkam3
— RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) October 15, 2024
Challenging Times Ahead
The future of border security hangs in the balance as ongoing issues plague the Border Patrol. Allegations of insincerity and isolated leadership highlight a pressing need for comprehensive dialogue and strategic changes. As Harris promises a more restrictive immigration policy, agents like former Yuma Border Patrol Chief Chris Clem criticize the current administration for low morale and ineffective policies.
“Border patrol agents are threatening to leave the critical federal agency in droves if Vice President Kamala Harris wins in November — with multiple agents telling The Post that they can’t face four more years of being undermined and scapegoated.”
The outcome of this leadership contest will not only shape immigration policy but the morale and effectiveness of those tasked with border security. There’s a shared anticipation of the policies to come, as each side prepares for potential shifts and challenges in the broader landscape of national security.
Sources
1. Border Patrol Union Fact-Checks Harris’s Speech at Border
