Kamala Harris Promises More Border Patrol Agents Amid Crisis

Vice President Kamala Harris has pledged to “hire thousands more” Border Patrol agents if elected, yet her tenure has seen a significant decline in agency personnel amid a surging migrant crisis. Former Yuma Border Patrol Chief Chris Clem criticized the Biden-Harris administration for allowing morale to plummet, stating that current campaign ads portraying Harris as a pro-border security advocate only exacerbate the situation for struggling agents. The Border Patrol is grappling with retention issues, as many agents are retiring at record rates due to the overwhelming challenges posed by illegal immigration and low morale. Sources within the agency indicate that the influx of new recruits is insufficient to offset the number of agents leaving. One Border Patrol agent expressed concern that the current recruitment climate would worsen under a potential Harris administration, which they believe prioritizes leniency over enforcement. Data from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reveals that migrant encounters at U.S. borders have exceeded 10 million during the Biden administration, highlighting the ongoing crisis. The administration has also facilitated crossings through the CBP One app, further complicating the situation for Border Patrol agents. Some agents have voiced intentions to retire early if Harris is elected, fearing a catastrophic impact on the agency. Additionally, past comments from Harris that have been perceived as derogatory towards Border Patrol agents have left a lasting negative impression, with agents recalling her visit to El Paso as lacking genuine engagement with their challenges.