WASHINGTON — Four Border Patrol agents who were among those who responded to black migrants crossing the Southwest border in Del Rio, Texas, in September face disciplinary action for improper use or threat of use of force against them, Customs said and the U.S. Border Patrol on Friday after an internal investigation.
The aggressive attitude stems in part from Border Patrol agents fulfilling a request from the Texas State Police “that directly conflicts with the operational goals of the Border Patrol,” Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Chris Magnus said at a news conference Friday.
Although the head of the Border Patrol approved the order, Mr. Magnus said senior officials at the agency were not immediately made aware of the directive.
The findings came after a nearly 10-month investigation and are detailed in a 500-page report detailing the episode that crystallized President Biden’s fight to restore order to the Mexican border. A “lack of command, control and communications” led to the “unnecessary use of force against migrants,” the report said.
In addition to conflicting commands, Mr. Magnus said, the mounted patrol units that were deployed lacked training and supervision. Although there was no evidence to support allegations that the migrants were hit with the reins of one of the horses, Mr Magnus said the investigation found some of the agents had acted unprofessionally and made “derogatory” comments.
The four agents have been transferred to administrative positions. Mr. Magnus declined to describe the recommended disciplinary action because the review and appeal process is ongoing.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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