A Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol agent became the victim of a brutal assault on Sunday after attempting to apprehend a migrant who illegally crossed the border from Mexico. The attack raises serious concerns about the safety of our nation’s border agents, who are already overwhelmed by the ongoing migrant surge.
Former Republican Representative Mayra Flores shared photos on her social media account that depicted the gruesome aftermath of the assault. One photo showed a migrant with a tattoo reading “RATA” (rat) on his forehead, a possible indication that he was branded by Mexican cartels as an informer. The photos also showed a bloodied Border Patrol agent with a bite wound on his thigh.
The attack took place in the Texas Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Sector, an area known for its high levels of cartel activity on both sides of the border. In recent months, there have been several incidents of Border Patrol agents encountering armed cartel members on the U.S. side of the Rio Grande.
The weapons seizure of two rifles, multiple magazine clips, and an ammunition carrier in the area earlier this year is just one example of the dangers faced by our border agents. In June, five suspected members of the Cartel Del Noreste, a faction of the notorious Los Zetas cartel, were arrested by DPS Highway Patrol troopers and found to be in possession of two AR-15 style rifles.
According to the latest statistics from CBP, over 400 Border Patrol agents have been assaulted between October and August, with 173 of those incidents taking place in Texas Border Patrol Sectors. As the number of migrants crossing the border continues to rise, the risk of violence against our border agents also increases.
A source within CBP, who asked not to be named, stated that while the overall number of assaults on Border Patrol agents has not significantly risen, the nature of the attacks has become more dangerous. The influx of migrants who willingly surrender upon crossing the border is not the main concern, but the ones who are trying to evade capture or are involved in illegal activities pose a significant threat.
It is vital that our government takes necessary steps to ensure the safety of our border agents. As the first line of defense for our country’s borders, they play an essential role in protecting our national security. However, with fewer agents available to respond to dangerous situations, their job is becoming increasingly challenging and risky.
As the Biden administration continues to grapple with the ongoing border crisis, it must also address the safety concerns of our border agents. Failure to do so will not only put their lives at risk but also compromise our national security. It is imperative that immediate action is taken to protect those who are responsible for keeping our borders secure.