FIRST ON FOX: Republican lawmakers are on the lookout for solutions from the Biden administration about what motion is being taken towards unlawful immigrants who assault Border Patrol brokers, as officers report a “significant rise” in assaults.
Lawmakers, led by Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., wrote to Lawyer Normal Merrick Garland and appearing Customs and Border Safety (CBP) Commissioner Troy Miller asking about unlawful immigrants who assault brokers in an effort to evade seize.
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT BITES BORDER PATROL AGENT IN THE FACE AMID ‘SIGNIFICANT RISE’ OF ATTACKS ON CBP
“In FY23, CBP reported that 610 agents were assaulted, while in FY24 at least 413 agents were assaulted. Though these incidents primarily involve physical assault, CBP agents also endure a large percentage of assaults by other means, including through the use of projectiles, vehicles, and firearms,” they are saying.
As seen from an aerial view, Texas Nationwide Guard troops watch over greater than 1,000 immigrants who had crossed the Rio Grande in a single day from Mexico on Dec. 18, 2023 in Eagle Cross, Texas. (John Moore/Getty Photos)
In August, Border Patrol within the El Paso Sector of Texas warned that it has seen a “significant rise in attacks on Border Patrol Agents recently.”
That was highlighted final month when an unlawful immigrant bit a Border Patrol agent within the face after being encountered coming throughout from Mexico.
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Whereas the attacker on this occasion was prosecuted, it has fueled issues from the lawmakers that unlawful immigrants are usually not being prosecuted sufficiently. They cite media reviews that assaults have turn out to be an everyday prevalence.
“Though this incident was somewhat outlandish in the mode of attack, CBP agents have stated they experience assaults like this almost every night while on duty, including getting rushed by large groups of illegal aliens all at once, many of whom will punch and kick the outnumbered agents,” they are saying.
The Republicans additionally say that statements from brokers contradict claims that “CBP is working closely with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to hold these criminal illegal aliens accountable.”
The lawmakers are asking for the variety of unlawful immigrants CBP has referred to the Division of Justice for assault and what number of of these have been charged.
They’re additionally asking whether or not CBP reached out to DOJ to debate why an unlawful immigrant just isn’t charged with assault, and whether or not the brokers themselves are contacted. Additionally they wish to know what number of unlawful immigrants who’ve assaulted brokers have been launched into the U.S. and the sorts of help they provide to brokers who’ve been assaulted. CBP says it responds to congressional inquiries via official channels.
Vice President Kamala Harris visits the U.S.-Mexico border with U.S. Border Patrol Tucson Sector Chief John Modlin, proper, in Douglas, Arizona, on Sept. 27, 2024. (REBECCA NOBLE/AFP through Getty Photos)
The letter comes amid intense scrutiny of the southern border and the way in which it has been dealt with by the Biden administration. It comes after a large inflow of unlawful immigration that has dropped sharply since June, when President Biden signed an order limiting releases into the U.S.
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The Harris and Trump campaigns have fought over who’s the very best candidate to deal with the disaster. The Trump marketing campaign has sought to pin the 2021-2024 disaster on Vice President Kamala Harris and her function within the administration, whereas the Harris marketing campaign has attacked former President Donald Trump for rejecting a bipartisan border safety invoice launched earlier this yr, however that has failed to select up Republican help.
