Biden administration faces scrutiny for response to ‘significant increase’ in attacks on Border Patrol agents
FIRST ON FOX: Republican lawmakers are demanding answers from the Biden administration about what actions are being taken against illegal immigrants who attack the Border Patrol, as officials report a “significant increase” in attacks.
Lawmakers, led by Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., wrote to Attorney General Merrick Garland and Acting Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Troy Miller asking about illegal immigrants who attack agents in an attempt to avoid apprehension.
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“In FY23, CBP reported that 610 agents were assaulted, while in FY24 at least 413 agents were assaulted. While these incidents primarily involved physical assaults, CBP also endured a large percentage of assaults by other means, including using projectiles, cars, and guns,” they said.
As seen in the aerial view, Texas National Guard troops guarded more than 1,000 immigrants who crossed the Rio Grande overnight from Mexico on Dec. 18, 2023 in Eagle Pass, Texas. (John Moore/Getty Images)
In August, the Border Patrol in the El Paso Sector of Texas warned that it had seen “a significant increase in attacks on Border Patrol Agents recently.”
This came to the fore last month when an illegal immigrant bit a Border Patrol agent in the face after encountering him from Mexico.
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Although the attacker in this incident is being prosecuted, it has raised concerns among lawmakers that illegal immigrants are not being prosecuted enough. They cite media reports that beatings have become commonplace.
“Although this incident was unusual in its nature of attack, CBP agents said they experience attacks like this almost every night while on duty, including being chased by large groups of illegal aliens at the same time, many of whom will punch and kick. many agents,” they said.
Republicans also said the agents’ statements contradicted allegations that “CBP is working closely with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to bring these illegal aliens to justice.”
Lawmakers are asking for the number of illegal immigrants CBP has referred to the Department of Justice for prosecution and how many of those have been charged.
They also question whether CBP has reached out to the DOJ to discuss why an immigrant could be charged with assault, and whether agents are being contacted. They also want to know how many illegal immigrants assaulted agents have been released to the US and the types of support they provide to assaulted agents. CBP says it responds to congressional inquiries through official channels.
Vice President Kamala Harris visits the US-Mexico border with US Border Patrol Tucson Division Chief John Modlin, right, in Douglas, Arizona, on September 27, 2024. (REBECCA NOBLE/AFP via Getty Images)
The book comes amid intense scrutiny of the southern border and how it has been handled by the Biden administration. It comes after illegal immigration has fallen sharply since June, when President Biden signed an executive order to reduce deportations to the US.
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The Harris and Trump campaigns have battled over who is best at handling the problem. The Trump campaign wanted to put the 2021-2024 crisis on Vice President Kamala Harris and her role in the administration, and the Harris campaign attacked former President Donald Trump for rejecting a bipartisan border security bill introduced earlier this year, but that failed. to gain Republican support.
Get the latest updates on the ongoing border crisis from the Fox News Digital immigration hub.
