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September 26, 2013

Customs Agency Unveils Training Reforms Following Border Killings 
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The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency has announced new
guidelines following a spate of deadly shootings by agents on the
northern and southern borders. At least 19 people have been killed by
border agents since 2010. The victims include at least six Mexicans
killed on the Mexican side of the border. Sixteen-year-old Jose
Rodriguez was reportedly shot from behind no fewer than seven times last
October for allegedly throwing rocks at an agent. The new changes
include a training program that will emphasize the defusing of threats
instead of resorting to deadly force. In a statement, the American Civil
Liberties Union called the measures inadequate, saying: "The biggest
missing piece here is clear and transparent accountability for officers
involved in use-of-force incidents that lead to serious physical injury
or death. Without a commitment to end the culture of impunity at CBP,
the agency's good first steps will lead nowhere."

 

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