Los Angeles Democratic Mayor Karen Bass expressed disappointment and concern Friday with Hispanics joining Border Patrol – arguing they’re only doing it for the paycheck.
“Well, in a way, I think it’s sad,” Bass said of a CNN report on Border Patrol’s new recruits, many of which are Hispanic.
“I think that those Border Patrol agents are going to have a difficult time when they’re out in the field and they see what actually happens in real life separate from their training,” the mayor told “The Situation Room” host Wolf Blitzer.
The report Bass was asked to respond to included interviews with Hispanic agents and recruits explaining how they respond to critics who say they are arresting their “own kind” or “own blood.”
“They didn‘t come in the right way. So, they aren‘t my kind,” 20-year-old Border Patrol recruit Juan Peralta told CNN correspondent David Culver.
Border Patrol Agent Claudio Herrera explained that he has no qualms with carrying out his duties.
“I’m protecting my community,” the proud agent said. “I’m protecting both sides of the border.”
More than half of Border Patrol agents are Hispanic, according to federal government data.
Bass believes Hispanic Americans are flocking to join the agency “primarily” for financial reasons.
“I do understand that their primary incentive is financial,” the mayor said. “I think it just speaks to the financial situation that millions of Americans find themselves in.
“And I definitely am concerned about that report.”
Funding for border security included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act has allowed Border Patrol to offer handsome bonuses to new hires.
New Border Patrol agents are eligible for up to $60,000 in incentives, according to the agency, including $10,000 after completing the academy and an additional $10,000 if assigned to a remote location.
“CBP is committed to recruiting and retaining top talent for our critical mission,” Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott said last week. “By offering competitive incentives, we are investing in skilled professionals who will help secure America’s borders and advance national security.”
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