Thousands of illegal immigrants–mostly from Central America–have overwhelmed U.S. resources and facilities. Amid what has been labeled a “humanitarian crisis,” Border Patrol agents and spokespeople outside of Washington, D.C. have been ordered not to provide any information regarding the situation.
When asked about the status of the thousands of children who have crossed the U.S.-Mexico border illegally this year, Tucson Border Patrol spokesman Bryan Flowers told Breitbart Texas that due to orders from Washington, D.C. “we cannot give out those details.”
Flower said that anyone seeking details on the recent spike in illegal immigration must speak to a representative in D.C. “For any information at this time, as far as specifics, you’d have to be referred to CBP’s headquarters in D.C.,” Flowers said.
When asked why non-D.C. representatives could not speak about the issue, Flowers mentioned that Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson had spoken about the issue. “Once it gets to that level they’re the only ones who can speak on it,” Flower said. “I have a statement that I could give to you.”
He confirmed that the statement was drawn up and approved by the CBP headquarters.
After speaking with Flowers, Breitbart Texas called the CBP headquarters. Jennifer Evanitsky with the CBP Office of Public Affairs refused to disclose why Border Patrol representatives were ordered not to speak about the border crisis. Apparently referring to the same statement Flowers offered, Evanitsky only said, “The best i can do is give you the statement.”
She then sent Breitbart Texas a statement that said, “While in temporary custody, CBP strives to protect unaccompanied children with special procedures and safeguards. CBP is ensuring nutritional and hygienic needs are met; that children are provided meals regularly and have access to drinks and snacks throughout the day; that facilities include toilets; that they receive constant agent supervision; that children who exhibit signs of illness or disease are given proper medical care. Mistreatment or misconduct is not tolerated.”
It continued, “CBP’s continues to use all available resources to care for unaccompanied children while in CBP’s custody, working with our partner agencies to move them as quickly as possible to appropriate facilities. In the face of overwhelming numbers of unaccompanied children crossing the border in South Texas, U.S. Border Patrol agents have taken extraordinary measures to care for these children while in custody and to maintain security in overcrowded facilities.”
Earlier this week, Breitbart Texas reported that Border Patrol agents were threatened with criminal charges for conveying information to reporters. An email from Eligio “Lee” Pena, an assistant chief patrol agent, apparently told more than 3,000 agents that they could face discipline or be charged with a crime for speaking to the media.
Additionally, Obama’s Department of Health and Human Services banned members of Congress from talking to the border children or asking questions during a tour of a Texas-based housing facility for the migrants.
The Obama Administration has sought to push a narrative that their actions and rhetoric is not encouraging more illegal immigrants to cross the border. Despite providing numerous amenities to the border children, Johnson insisted during a recent press conference that he is not “encouraging illegal
Silencing Border Patrol agents may be Washington’s way of ensuring that the administration’s narrative is consistent amid the crisis.
In the face of an uphill battle to report up-to-date and accurate information on the border crisis, Breitbart Texas has set up a confidential tip line. Border Patrol agents, Customs and Border Protection officers, other law enforcement, and citizens who wish to expose the reality of conditions along the U.S.-Mexico border are encouraged to call 877-204-2033.
Follow Kristin Tate on Twitter @KristinBTate.
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