Border Patrol

I don't know how many of you know this, but there has been news on the case of two border guards for some time now. The story has been out on the radio, because they recently started serving their sentences.

Much of the news you hear about these two border patrol agents is inaccurate or hype. Many people are calling for the pardon of these two officers, claiming that 'they were doing their job' and the illegal drug smuggler goes free. I personally was under the impression that this was a massive failure on the part of the Justice System to protect those who protect us.

However, after looking up what actually happened, I can no longer call for their pardon. I have had LE training, and I know the Rules of Engagement as they relate to firearms. I also know how to properly report an incident. These rules were not followed in this case by the two officers.

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It started as a 'standard' pursuit in Fabens, Texas. Border patrol agents pulled over a van that, having only moments before entered the US, was suddenly attempting to return to Mexico. The driver got out and raised his hands, which were empty.

Testimonies of the officers that were present differ at this point.

In the end, one officer fired 14 shots at the suspect, while another fired one shot, hitting the suspect in the buttocks. The suspect was not armed, and, from what attorneys gathered, never made hostile actions towards the border patrol. After the suspect fled, the officer that fired 14 shots picked up his spent brass (shell casings), and enlisted the help of a more junior officer to assist him. They discarded the shell casings into a nearby canal. This is a blatant violation of the standard operating procedures. Also, the shooting was not reported to their superiors, as is required.

Regardless of whether the shots fired were lawful, the actions of the officers following the incident were unacceptable. Who would deliberately disturb an investigation scene except those who have something to hide?

I started this post thinking to call for justice. I was under the impression that these modern martyrs should be pardoned. However, after reviewing the facts as they are made available, I believe justice is being done. While I pray that the two officers are not harmed in prison, I believe that their time there is no misdeed. While I feel for their families, those who enforce justice must not violate the laws they uphold.



-detailed account-
http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2007Feb16/0,4670,BattleontheBorder,00.html

-current summary-
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,244193,00.html