The Trump administration has issued a call to action for recently retired Border Patrol agents, urging them to return to active duty.
This appeal comes in the wake of numerous retirements spurred by dissatisfaction with the Biden administration's catch-and-release immigration policies. The administration's request is aimed at bolstering the current deportation efforts across the United States and beyond.
As reported by Breitbart, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has officially invited retired agents to reapply and rejoin the agency. This move closely follows a similar solicitation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which also sought to bring retirees back into the fold.
Although the specific duties of these rehires remain somewhat ambiguous, retired Border Patrol Agent Frank Silva from the Sonoita Station in Arizona speculates that they will likely assume less strenuous administrative and support roles. This strategy would enable active agents to concentrate on more physically demanding enforcement tasks.
The CBP's solicitation explicitly states: "CBP is seeking to reinstate retired Border Patrol Agents (BPA) who previously retired from the agency, also known as reemployed annuitants. This opportunity is available to former BPAs who retired between July 2020 and July 2024."
The call to action emphasizes the importance of leveraging the retirees' experience to "protect the American people, safeguard our borders, and enhance the nations economic prosperity."
The initiative offers a financial incentive through a potential waiver of the Salary Offset, allowing reemployed annuitants to receive both their full basic annuity and full salary. However, the FERS annuity supplement and Social Security benefits might be subject to reductions. This financial arrangement is designed to attract seasoned agents back into service without penalizing them financially.
Retired Border Patrol Watch Commander Jerry Guerra from the McAllen, Texas, Station is considering the offer, though he acknowledges several factors that could influence his decision. Guerra expressed a willingness to serve again, provided the conditions are favorable.
"Relocating outside commuting distance is a showstopper," he noted, highlighting the need for clear assurances from CBP and the Department of Homeland Security regarding potential financial implications.
This recruitment effort underscores the Trump administration's commitment to reinforcing border security and addressing the challenges posed by current immigration policies. By tapping into the expertise of retired agents, the administration aims to strengthen its enforcement capabilities while navigating the complexities of immigration reform.
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