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DHS watchdog reports low morale among CBP agents amid influx of migrants

Randy Mancini 5 May 11
Immigrants walk through razor wire surrounding a makeshift migrant camp after crossing the border from Mexico on May 11, 2023 in El Paso, Texas. The number of immigrants reaching the border has surged with the end of the U.S. government's Covid-era Title 42 policy, which for the past three years has allowed for the quick expulsion of irregular migrants entering the country. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
Immigrants walk through razor wire surrounding a makeshift migrant camp after crossing the border from Mexico on May 11, 2023 in El Paso, Texas. The number of immigrants reaching the border has surged with the end of the U.S. government’s Covid-era Title 42 policy, which for the past three years has allowed for the quick expulsion of irregular migrants entering the country. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

OAN Stella Escobedo and Kristian Rouz
3:40 PM – Thursday, May 11, 2023

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) watchdog is warning that the influx of illegal migrants at the southern border is eroding the morale of immigration officials.

New Report: "Intensifying Conditions at the Southwest Border Are Negatively Impacting CBP and ICE Employees' Health and Morale" https://t.co/Xr3BUsulg7

— DHS Office of Inspector General (@DHSOIG) May 4, 2023

Some time ago, the office of the DHS Inspector General had sent out a survey regarding the mental health, morale, and working conditions of CBP personnel.

The resulting OIG report stated what border patrol agents had been saying all along, that the crisis was taxing the agents and their families.

It stated the number of encounters at the border has exponentially increased to more than two million.

It also stated the Border Patrol has been hovering at about 16,700 agents for about five years now, which is well below the congressional mandate of 19,000. 

This contradicts previous statements made by DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas who claims the agency has the necessary resources.

In addition, there was a shocking 303% increase in “gotaways,” which is a term used for illegals who did not get arrested by the Border Patrol.

As a result, CBP agents have faced severe physical and mental fatigue which some claim may have led to a drop in their morale. The agents claim that the Biden DHS has not been helpful.

As Title 42 gets ready to expire, we are learning about a new report by the DHS Office of Inspector General.

OIG report says : "Intensifying Conditions at the Southwest Border Are Negatively Impacting CBP and ICE Employees' Health and Morale"@OANN pic.twitter.com/KBsbG9LUQ4