Border Patrol Agents Consider Mass Resignation Over Policy Discontent with Vice President Harris

Person speaking on stage, holding a microphone.

Border Patrol agents threaten mass exodus if Vice President Kamala Harris wins the presidency, citing years of frustration and low morale.

At a Glance

Border Patrol agents consider leaving en masse if Harris wins the election
The agency has lost over 4,000 personnel since October 2020
National Border Patrol Council endorses Trump, signaling lack of confidence in current leadership
Record 15 suicides within Customs and Border Protection in 2022
Migrant encounters surpass 10 million under Biden-Harris administration

Border Patrol Morale Hits Rock Bottom

The U.S. Border Patrol is facing an unprecedented crisis as agents threaten to resign en masse if Vice President Kamala Harris wins the presidency. This potential exodus stems from years of perceived undermining and scapegoating under the current administration. The agency has already lost over 4,000 personnel since October 2020, highlighting the severity of the situation.

“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.” – New York Post

The National Border Patrol Council, representing 16,000 agents, has taken the extraordinary step of endorsing former President Donald Trump, signaling a profound lack of confidence in the current leadership. This move underscores the desperation felt by those on the front lines of border security.

Suicide Crisis Among Border Patrol Agents

The toll on Border Patrol agents has reached alarming levels, with a record 15 suicides recorded within Customs and Border Protection in 2022. This tragic statistic has prompted the hiring of a suicidologist to address the mental health crisis within the agency. The extreme stress and perceived lack of support have created a dire situation for these dedicated public servants.

Former Yuma Border Patrol Chief Chris Clem has criticized the administration for the low morale and perceived insincerity in border security efforts. This sentiment is echoed by many within the agency who feel abandoned by their leadership.

Harris’s Border Policies Under Fire

Vice President Harris’s recent border visit and policy proposals have been met with skepticism and criticism from both agents and political opponents. The National Border Patrol Council has accused Harris of ignoring the border crisis she helped create, disputing her claims of increasing overtime pay for agents.

“The union repping US Border agents ripped Vice President Kamala Harris Friday, claiming the presidential hopeful “ignored the border problem she created.”” – New York Post

Harris’s visit to Douglas, Arizona, where she advocated for increased border security and immigration system overhaul, has been seen by many as too little, too late. Critics argue that her proposals fall short of addressing the root causes of the border crisis.

Border patrol agents say there will be an 'exodus' if Kamala Harris wins | The Post Millenial

"I’m not doing this sh*t again," one agent said. "Four more years of hell."

Border patrol agents are threatening to leave the agency if current Vice President Kamala Harris wins the… pic.twitter.com/7WPAli72rl

— Owen Gregorian (@OwenGregorian) October 16, 2024

Political Implications and Future Prospects

The border crisis has become a central issue in the upcoming presidential election. Former President Trump has pledged to add 10,000 new Border Patrol agents if elected, a promise that resonates with many frustrated agents. In contrast, Harris’s campaign struggles to convince border security personnel of her commitment to their cause.

“Lots of guys who can retire will go. If Trump wins, they’ll stay.” an agent said.

👀 “Border patrol agents threaten to leave in droves if Kamala Harris wins: ‘Not doing this s–t again’” @nypost https://t.co/91F0zcRYDh

— Deneen Borelli (@deneenborelli) October 15, 2024

As migrant encounters surpass a staggering 10 million under the current administration, the need for effective border security has never been more pressing. The potential mass resignation of experienced Border Patrol agents poses a significant threat to national security and underscores the urgent need for leadership that supports and empowers those tasked with protecting our borders.