Amidst growing dissatisfaction, Border Patrol agents are contemplating mass resignation over current policies and the potential for a Kamala Harris presidency.
At a Glance
- Agents feel undermined by policies and fear being scapegoated if Harris becomes president.
- The National Border Patrol Council endorsed former President Trump over current leadership.
- Morale is at an all-time low, with record agent turnover and suicides.
- Recruitment efforts are underway but have yet to fully address staffing shortages.
Agent Frustration Rises
Border Patrol agents are voicing their discontent with governmental policies, especially concerning Vice President Kamala Harris. Current discussions about mass resignations are anchored in perceptions of being undermined and scapegoated. As one agent put it, “I’m not doing this s–t again … four years of hell,” signaling a reluctant readiness to leave if changes aren’t made. This sentiment reflects deeper frustrations and concerns over effectiveness on the ground.
The potential impact of these resignations is far-reaching. The agency has already lost more than 4,000 personnel since 2020. This exodus exacerbates an already strained workforce struggling with morale and mounting pressures from increased migrant encounters. Operational challenges could intensify unless these grievances receive prompt attention from policymakers aiming to harmonize border control strategies.
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
Political Endorsements and Criticisms
The National Border Patrol Council has thrown its support behind former President Donald Trump, adding to the complexities of the situation. This endorsement is a significant move, illustrating agents’ confidence in Trump’s promises to add 10,000 new Border Patrol officers. Trump’s rhetoric contrasts starkly with Harris’s approach, adding political weight to the issue. The NBPC remains vocally critical of Harris, accusing her of sidestepping her responsibilities.
“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?” – National Border Patrol Council (NBPC)
Criticism extends beyond the operational level. Harris has faced backlash for allegedly disregarding the concerns of the Border Patrol community, further aggravated by her statements during a border visit in Douglas, Arizona. Her promises to bolster border security and overhaul the immigration system came under scrutiny, with some claims about overtime pay increases contested by the NBPC. This apparent disconnect remains a sticking point as the debate over her leadership continues.
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
Addressing the Crisis
Both Harris and Trump have made staffing pledges, recognizing the critical need to address ongoing challenges. However, the Border Patrol faces immediate hurdles with morale at a precarious point, underscored by significant suicide rates among agents. Solutions must extend beyond recruitment tactics, focusing on internal support systems to stabilize the workforce. Such measures must accompany broader policy discussions to address agent concerns holistically.
“They need more resources to do their jobs,” Ms. Harris said after meeting with Border Patrol agents in Douglas, Ariz.
The Border Patrol situation spotlights the urgent need for effective dialogue and action. Policymakers must prioritize the reconciliation of perceived policy failures with on-the-ground realities. The potential for mass resignation underlines the importance of addressing these issues head-on, ensuring national security measures are not compromised and that agents feel empowered in their roles.
Sources:
- Border patrol agents threaten to leave in droves if Kamala Harris wins: ‘Not doing this s–t again’
- Border Patrol union blasts Harris for ‘ignoring problem she created’ after her first visit in 3 years: ‘Where has she been?’
- Harris, Visiting Border, Calls for Extending Restrictions and Adding Security: Sept. 27 Campaign News