2023-06-28 03:27:00
Step.- Customs and Border Protection (CBP) released body camera footage of a deadly use-of-force incident, in which a Border Patrol agent shoots a migrant who tried to evade being detained and threatened law enforcement. with a wooden stick.
The episode occurred near Las Cruces, New Mexico, on April 2, 2023, and was captured on the body cameras of three officers.
The images were released pursuant to CBP policy and the May 25, 2022 Executive Order advancing effective criminal justice and accountable policing practices to enhance public trust and public safety.
According to official information, a Border Patrol (USBP) agent observed a sports utility vehicle evading an agency checkpoint, located on Interstate 10 approximately 23 miles west of Las Cruces, and began to follow it.
The suspect reportedly walked through an unpaved gap with a wooden stick in hand, authorities said. The officers walked with the man for four minutes and 20 seconds asking him to put down his gun.
“Can you tell me your name, man? Hey, man, we’re not trying to hurt you,” the agent said.
A taser was deployed multiple times as the man continued to walk.
“Hey, we’re the United States Border Patrol. I’m not trying to hurt you, man,” says the agent.
As the man continues to walk away, the officers asked him why he avoided the checkpoint, to which he replied: “What checkpoint?”
“Hey man, I don’t want to walk here all night with you. Can you tell me why you drove?” asked the agent.
“Why did I drive around what?” replied the man.
“The checkpoint,” said the agent.
“What checkpoint?” the man asked.
“Our checkpoint, let’s start with that, why didn’t you stop?” questioned the Border Patrol agent.
“I don’t know what you think,” said the man.
“Why didn’t you pull over with your lights and sirens, man? Hey, come on, don’t do this,” the agent said.
Seconds later, the suspect appears to punch the officer and video shows that the man may have attempted to hit the officer a second time before shots are heard and the man falls.
One of the officers speaking to his partner after the incident seems audibly shaken by the incident.
“I tried to talk to you, mom, what (expletive),” the agent said.
“I thought your boss was going to hit you. I thought he was going to stab you,” said another officer.
Border Patrol officials said the incident is under investigation.
According to the federal agency, CBP’s rapid public release of this video is in keeping with its commitment to accountability and transparency.
“This includes our ongoing work to implement body-worn camera systems for all frontline personnel, except for those working in areas already covered by other camera systems, such as processing facilities, ports of entry, or aboard aircraft.” , says the corporation in a statement.
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