This week, the Biden administration terminated the second-in-command of the United States Border Patrol on suspicion of misconduct.
In a statement released late Thursday, the administration confirmed the termination of Acting Deputy Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol Joel Martinez, a 31-year veteran of the organization.
“We do not tolerate misconduct within our ranks. When we discover any alleged or potential misconduct, we immediately refer it for investigation and cooperate fully with any criminal or administrative investigations. This is the case whether the alleged misconduct occurs on or off duty. Federal privacy laws prohibit discussion of individual cases.” the statement declared.
Martinez, who has occupied numerous leadership roles within the U.S. Border Patrol, was not under arrest, according to the Washington Post.
A few days prior to Martinez’s dismissal, U.S. Border Patrol Academy Chief Ryan Landrum was likewise deposed and placed on administrative leave.
NEW: The #2 at U.S. Border Patrol is now out—Deputy Chief Joel Martinez has been removed and placed on administrative leave due to misconduct allegations—Agency officials did not provide details about what Martinez reportedly did to prompt this action, citing privacy laws.… pic.twitter.com/kgAgi3TeWe
— Ali Bradley (@AliBradleyTV) February 16, 2024
Concerning Landrum, the Border Patrol issued an identical statement.
The dismissal of the two Border Patrol agents coincides with the Biden administration’s border policies precipitating what numerous individuals have termed a “invasion”—a deluge of millions of unauthorized immigrants into the United States, which has engulfed border states and cities nationwide.
Chief of the United States Border Patrol Jason Owens stated earlier this month in an interview that the magnitude of the crisis has strained the agency to the point where he has grave concerns regarding the types of illegal immigrants who manage to escape apprehension and enter the United States.
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