Border Patrol will Stop Shooting at Rock Throwers and Moving Vehicles
After numerous complaints from advocates and critical stories in the media, the U.S. Border Patrol has decided to alter its policy that authorized the use of deadly force against rock throwers and people fleeing in automobiles.
Border Patrol Chief Michael Fisher announced that agents would no longer be allowed to shoot at people throwing rocks at them, or fire at vehicles trying to escape. The directive also ordered agents to not step in front of moving vehicles, which had been used in the past as justification for opening fire.
Agents are to seek cover in the event of a rock-throwing encounter, but can use deadly force if the objects pose an imminent danger of death or serious injury.
The new rules follow widespread complaints from immigrant advocates that the Border Patrol had become trigger-happy and was unnecessarily using its weapons.
At least 19 people have been killed by agents since 2010.
Pressure began to mount after media reports revealed the agency had disregarded the recommendations of law enforcement experts to alter its approach to handling rock throwers and moving vehicles. Those recommendations from the Police Executive Research Forum were included in a report commissioned by the Border Patrol.
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