Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has expressed her dismay over the recruitment of Hispanics into the Border Patrol, attributing their enlistment primarily to financial motivations.
She remarked, "Well, in a way, I think its sad," when discussing a CNN report highlighting the significant Hispanic presence among new Border Patrol agents.
According to The Post Millennial, Bass elaborated on her concerns, stating, "I think that those Border Patrol agents are going to have a difficult time when theyre out in the field and they see what actually happens in real life separate from their training." The CNN report also featured Hispanic agents addressing criticisms about arresting individuals of similar ethnic backgrounds.
One recruit, Juan Peralta, countered, "They didnt come in the right way. So, they arent my kind," emphasizing his commitment to safeguarding both sides of the border.
Government data reveals that approximately half of Border Patrol personnel are Hispanic, a statistic that Bass attributes to economic necessity. She commented, "I do understand that their primary incentive is financial," reflecting on the broader economic challenges facing many Americans.
The Department of Homeland Security currently offers new agents up to $60,000 in incentives, aiming to attract skilled professionals to critical roles.
These incentives include a "$10,000 after completing the academy and an additional $10,000 if assigned to a remote location," as detailed on the agency's website. The financial allure underscores the pressing economic realities that drive individuals to seek such opportunities, raising questions about the broader implications for communities and the agency itself.
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