With the U.S. grappling with a deepening crisis at its southern border, tensions have escalated among Border Patrol agents alluding to potential mass resignations if Vice President Kamala Harris wins the upcoming presidential election.
The Daily Signal reported that the intensifying immigration crisis has sparked unrest among U.S. Border Patrol agents, with a potential Harris presidency threatening to worsen current problems that border patrol agents have been dealing with for years.
Since 2021, when Kamala Harris was appointed as the "border czar," the United States has witnessed an exponential increase in illegal immigration thanks to Biden-Harris open border policies.
Under her oversight, the country has faced rising threats from terrorist groups and violent migrant gangs impacting small communities. Furthermore, the tragic deaths of American children at the hands of migrants and the alarming sex trafficking of minors by criminal organizations underscore the crisis's gravity.
Amid these growing challenges, the prospect of Harris becoming the president in November has unsettled many U.S. Border Patrol agents.
Reports indicate they are considering stepping down in large numbers if such a scenario materializes. This sentiment stems from growing dissatisfaction with the current administration's border security policies.
Since January 2021, over 4,000 Border Patrol agents have left their positions, leaving approximately 19,000 still employed.
The average annual resignation rate has topped 1,200 agents since the start of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris's tenure. The National Border Patrol Council has expressed its disapproval of Harris's border management approach, highlighting her unfulfilled promises.
An anonymous agent voiced their frustrations, declaring an unwillingness to endure "four years of hell" again. Such comments underscore the existing discontent and the potential for further departures should the situation not change.
During her three-year tenure, the National Border Patrol Council has openly criticized Harris for her allegedly inadequate handling of border issues. According to the council, despite her title as "border czar," the vice president has been largely absent from the frontlines.
The council accused Harris of appearing at the border only briefly for photo opportunities, repeating points previously made by the Council. They questioned her lack of presence and involvement in addressing the persistent issues.
Brandon Judd, president of the National Border Patrol Council, echoed these sentiments, stating that Harris and Biden perceive the U.S. border as merely a symbolic boundary. He argued that their policies have led to a situation where illegal crossings have minimal consequences.
Against this backdrop, the National Border Patrol Council has endorsed Donald Trump for the presidency, citing his previous track record on border security as strong and effective. Trump is portrayed as a leader committed to securing the country and upholding the law.
Judd highlighted the contrast between Trump's tangible accomplishments and what he described as mere rhetoric from the incumbent administration. This endorsement reflects a desire for a firmer stance on border integrity.
One agent emphasized the difficulties faced under current policies, saying that the administration has made their work "as inefficient as possible." The sentiment illustrates the challenges and expectations among agents seeking more robust actions.
As the nation awaits the November election, the future direction of U.S. immigration policy hangs in the balance.
The potential election results have significant implications for both the Border Patrol workforce and the overall strategy for securing the nation's borders.
Another agent suggested that many eligible for retirement might choose to exit should Harris prevail in the election. Conversely, a Trump victory would see them remaining in their roles, indicating a strong preference for a different leadership approach.