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Podcasts Take Two
FBI to take role in investigating use of force by border patrol
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Jun 10, 2014
Listen • 6:27
FBI to take role in investigating use of force by border patrol
The FBI is looking into allegations of abuse by border patrol agents. The move comes after increasing pressure on US Customs and Border Protection, which has been criticized for not doing enough to look into use of force along the border.
A US Border Patrol agent stands near a crossing to Mexico at the San Ysidro port of entry along the US-Mexico border near San Diego, California on April 4, 2013. The barrier separating the two countries known to many as the 'border fence' or the 'border wall' is in reality several barriers, designed to prevent illegal movement across the border, backed by supporters and criticized by opponents.
A US Border Patrol agent stands near a crossing to Mexico at the San Ysidro port of entry along the US-Mexico border near San Diego, California on April 4, 2013. The barrier separating the two countries known to many as the 'border fence' or the 'border wall' is in reality several barriers, designed to prevent illegal movement across the border, backed by supporters and criticized by opponents.
(
FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images
)

The FBI is looking into allegations of abuse by border patrol agents. The move comes after increasing pressure on US Customs and Border Protection, which has been criticized for not doing enough to look into use of force along the border.

The FBI is looking into allegations of abuse by border patrol agents.

The move comes after increasing pressure on US Customs and Border Protection, which has been criticized for not doing enough to look into use of force along the border.

According to info from the agency and reported by LA Times, just 13 out of 809 abuse complaints between 2009 and 2012 led to disciplinary action. We're joined by Christian Ramirez, director of the Southern Border Communities Coalition, an advocacy group based along the US-Mexico border.

Customs and Border Protection Public Affairs Deputy Assistant Commissioner Chris O'Neil said in a statement to Take Two:



"As he has said repeatedly, Commissioner Kerlikowske is committed to integrity and transparency, and improving the use of the force review process.  As part of this commitment, CBP has asked the FBI for a top Senior Executive to lead the CBP Office of Internal Affairs on an interim basis. Mark Morgan, currently Deputy Assistant Director for Inspections at the FBI, will assume this role later this month and focus on strengthening CBP's internal review capacity and working with the DHS Inspector General and interagency partners on investigating allegations and complaints, specifically regarding use of force. CBP thanks Mr. Tomscheck for his service and his efforts to build the CBP Office of Internal Affairs."