Border Patrol agents are considering resigning en masse if Kamala Harris becomes president, citing perceived neglect and policy failures affecting border security.
At a Glance
- Agents threaten to leave if Kamala Harris wins the presidency, feeling undermined.
- The National Border Patrol Council endorses Donald Trump, highlighting dissatisfaction.
- Significant turnover with over 4,000 personnel lost under the current administration.
- Chris Clem criticizes administration for low morale among agents.
Agents’ Concerns and Threats of Resignation
Border Patrol agents are voicing discontent over policies linked to Vice President Kamala Harris, suggesting a potential mass resignation should she win the presidential race. Frontline agents feel undermined by her administration’s stance, resulting in operational challenges at the border. Despite recruitment incentives, the agency grapples with persistent staffing shortages and morale issues that have led to the hiring of a suicidologist following a record 15 suicides in 2022. Former Yuma Border Patrol Chief Chris Clem highlighted low morale and questioned the administration’s sincerity in addressing border security.
The National Border Patrol Council, representing 16,000 agents, expressed dissatisfaction with Harris’s border policies by endorsing Donald Trump. The union has consistently criticized Harris, accusing her of ignoring the border crisis and of being insincere in her public displays of concern. Harris faced further scrutiny for a lavish display during her visit to the southern border, prompting criticism about her commitment to addressing the crisis.
U.S. Border Patrol Agents are threatening to quite if Vice President Kamala Harris is elected. “I’m not doing this s–t again … four years of h-ll,” said one agent.
“Lots of guys who can retire will go. If Trump wins, they’ll stay,” said another agent.
Multiple Border Patrol… pic.twitter.com/e1pV6Pkam3
— RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) October 15, 2024
Responses and Political Implications
As the election nears, concerns about leadership alignment with on-the-ground realities reverberate. Both Trump and Harris have announced intentions to increase Border Patrol staffing. Harris has indicated willingness to sign a border security bill if elected, but has faced skepticism about her policies and follow-through. The criticisms center on a mismatch between public statements and actions perceived by border enforcement professionals.
“Border patrol agents are threatening to leave the critical federal agency in droves if Vice President Kamala Harris wins in November — with multiple agents telling The Post that they can’t face four more years of being undermined and scapegoated.”
Harris’s advocacy for increased border security comes amidst a complex political debate on immigration. Former President Donald Trump, during Michigan events focusing on economic protectionism, criticized Harris for perceived inadequacies in handling border security. The Biden administration has outlined plans to take further actions to restrict asylum for illegal border crossers, reflecting ongoing efforts to refine immigration strategies.
Conclusion and Looming Uncertainty
The Border Patrol’s internal challenges point to deeper structural issues exacerbated by political decisions. The expressed potential for a collective resignation underscores urgent needs for policy alignment and engagement with the realities of border security operations. As discussions continue, stakeholders and political figures must consider long-term solutions that safeguard national interests while addressing the concerns of those tasked with enforcing border security.
The effectiveness of future policies will be contingent on meaningful collaboration across administrative and operational levels. Aligning leadership actions with the experiences and challenges faced by Border Patrol agents is critical for securing the border and maintaining national security. Achieving this will be essential as new leadership shapes the nation’s immigration and border enforcement landscape.