EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector says it has seen a “significant rise” in attacks on Border Patrol agents recently and is reminding criminals of the consequences of assaulting a federal officer.
“Assaulting federal agents is not just a crime; it is an affront to our principles of justice and the safety of our nation — the brave men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol and all our law enforcement partners that work alongside with us safeguarding our nation’s borders,” said El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent Anthony S. Good. “We will not tolerate any harm to the well-being of those dedicated to protecting others. Our law enforcement partners stand with us in bringing those responsible to justice.”
The El Paso Sector Border Patrol says it is working closely with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring anyone who assaults an agent to justice.
As the influx of migrants illegally crossing the border into the United States continues, the frequency of attacks on our federal agents has also increased, the Border Patrol said in a news release.
Since the beginning of Fiscal Year 2024, 66 El Paso Sector Border Patrol agents have been assaulted, the Border Patrol said in its news release.
During Fiscal Year 2023, 104 agents were assaulted in the El Paso Sector, which also includes all of New Mexico.
Federal law states that it is a crime to assault or resist arrest by a federal officer while they are
performing their official duties, the Border Patrol said in its news release.
“The use of hands, fists, feet, teeth, firearms, knives, vehicles, and rocks, along with other items used as weapons to purposely inflict harm on federal officers while performing their duties, and the severity of the injuries are gathered and provided to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for federal prosecution,” the Border Patrol said in its news release.
The Border Patrol cited two recent examples of assaults on its agents.
Border Patrol agents assigned to the Santa Teresa station were assaulted by a subject who forcibly resisted arrest by spitting on and attempting to bite them, the Border Patrol said.
Also, another Border Patrol agent assigned to the Santa Teresa station was pulled off his ATV.
Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol while remaining anonymous by calling 1-800-635-2509.
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