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Under-The-Radar Border Problem: No One Wants To Be A Border Patrol Officer
By Kate Riga
February 11, 2019 7:31 am
As the President consistently pushes for the hiring of more border patrol agents at the U.S.-Mexico border, officials are struggling to find enough recruits to fill even original numerical targets as harsh conditions, unimpressive salaries and remote housing spots drive candidates away.
According to a Sunday Politico report, the Trump administration did make some strides by January, adding about 100 new agents this fiscal year.
Many officers leave the border for more lucrative law enforcement jobs, as border patrol agents get piddling overtime pay. Many go to ICE, where there are advancement opportunities for more highly educated officers and the offices are located in a “major metropolitan area” rather than a hot and dusty stretch of desert.
Per Politico, some agents have also become disillusioned over the Trump administration’s policies, balking at the family separation crisis sparked by the President’s policies.
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https://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/no-one-wants-to-be-a-border-patrol-officer
