Alarming increase in violence against Border Patrol agents in El Paso

The crisis at the U.S. southern border continues to escalate, and the increase in violence against Border Patrol agents is a clear indication of the challenges facing national security under the current administration. The El Paso, Texas, sector in particular has seen a disturbing increase in attacks on its agents, reflecting not only a shift in the dynamics of illegal immigration, but also the growing threat of criminal organizations and immigrant desperation.

So far in fiscal year 2024, 66 attacks on Border Patrol agents have been reported in the El Paso sector. This increase marks an alarming trend that cannot be ignored. These attacks, which have involved fists, rocks, firearms, knives, and vehicles, not only endanger the lives of agents, but also hamper the ability of security forces to maintain control of the border.

The scale of these attacks is a clear sign that the situation at the border is spiraling out of control. As the current administration continues to promote policies that some claim have encouraged illegal migration, Border Patrol agents are paying the price with their personal safety.

There has been a significant increase in violence against Border Patrol agents in the El Paso, Texas, sector during the Biden administration. Since the start of fiscal year 2024, 66 agents have been attacked, compared to 104 the previous year, an alarming increase.

Under federal law 18 USC 111, it is a crime to assault or resist arrest a federal officer while performing his official duties. 18 USC 111 has implications for the assault, kidnapping, and/or murder of a federal officer.

https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/us-border-patrol-reminds-criminals-about-consequences-assaulting#:~:text=Since%20the%20beginning%20of%20Fiscal,are %20carrying%20out%20their%20official%20duties

The attacks have included the use of fists, feet, firearms, knives, vehicles and stones, underscoring the increasing danger to which these officers are exposed.

“Targeting federal agents is not only a crime, it is an affront to our principles of fairness and the security of our nation. The brave men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol and all of our law enforcement partners work with us to protect our nation’s borders,” said Anthony S. Good, Special Agent in Charge of the El Paso Sector Patrol. “We will not tolerate harm to those who are dedicated to protecting others. Our law enforcement partners stand with us to bring those responsible to justice.” The El Paso Sector Border Patrol is working closely with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to prosecute all violators.

Several factors explain the increase in violence against Border Patrol agents in El Paso. One of the main reasons is the growing pressure of migration. Thousands of immigrants, desperate to enter the United States, are trapped in a system that seemingly cannot handle the flow. The desperation of these immigrants, many of whom have endured extreme conditions on their journey north, turns to violence when they are faced with the possibility of detention and deportation.

Another driving force is the presence and expansion of criminal organizations at the border. Cartels and other human trafficking networks see Border Patrol agents as obstacles to their illegal activities. For these groups, violence is not only an intimidation tactic, but also a strategic tool to protect their lucrative human and drug trafficking.

The current lax approach to border security has also created an environment in which immigrants and criminal groups feel they can act with impunity. This sense of invulnerability has led to an increase in violent confrontations with law enforcement.

The impact of this violence extends beyond the individuals affected; it undermines national security as a whole. Every attack on a Border Patrol agent poses not only a personal risk, but also a breach of border security. When agents are distracted or injured, the border becomes more porous, allowing more immigrants to cross illegally and more drugs to enter the country.

This situation is particularly dangerous given the amount of fentanyl and other drugs being smuggled into the United States. A less secure border could only worsen the country’s opioid crisis, impacting the lives of millions of Americans.

Moreover, the increase in violence could have a demoralizing effect on Border Patrol agents, making it difficult to recruit and retain them at a critical time. Without a motivated and well-equipped workforce, the United States’ ability to secure its borders will be seriously compromised.