An internal review of the US Border Patrol’s use-of-force policies, obtained by the Los Angeles Times but not publicly released by US Customs and Border Protection, raised serious concerns about loose standards and weak accountability within the agency, examining 67 use-of-force incidents near the US-Mexico border that resulted in 19 deaths, according to the report completed in February 2013 by the Police Executive Research Forum.
The review found that agents had “intentionally and unnecessarily stepped in front of moving cars to justify using deadly force,” shot in frustration at rock throwers when retreat was possible, and showed a “lack of diligence” in investigating firearms use, questioning whether deadly force incidents are “consistently and thoroughly” reviewed. It warned that “a half-ounce (200-grain) bullet is unlikely to stop a 4,000-pound moving vehicle” and that shooting a driver could turn the vehicle into “a totally unguided threat,” posing risks to bystanders and other agents.
While the report recommended barring agents from shooting at vehicles or rock throwers unless lives are directly threatened, Border Patrol rejected both proposals, arguing that such restrictions would endanger agents working “in rural or desolate areas, often alone,” and could allow smugglers to run them over.
At least 21 people have been killed by Border Patrol agents since 2010, including a 16-year-old boy shot multiple times in the back in 2012 and a recent fatal shooting near San Diego involving a rock-throwing migrant, though it remains unclear whether any agents involved were disciplined because CBP does not disclose that information.