Border Patrol agents are complaining of a "disconnect" between what the Trump administration says and what it expects, and the "acting" status of several agency heads has affected law enforcement.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has both an acting commissioner and an acting deputy commissioner, while U.S. Border Patrol has an acting Chief. The president of the National Border Patrol Council, Brandon Judd, told Fox News field agents have become confused over who will actually lead their agency.
He added agents were confused by the continued use of the "catch-and-release" policy of releasing illegal immigrants after they are apprehended.
"We all thought on Jan. 25, with the signing of the Border Security Executive Order, that catch-and-release would end," Judd said. "ICE is still walking people out the door without cases being adjudicated and our agents are questioning: 'What's the point?'"
Although acting commissioner of CBP, Kevin McAleenan, was nominated in January his confirmation hearing has yet to be scheduled. Agents claim, until a permanent head is appointed, officials are reluctant to impose widespread change.
The president of NBPC Local 1613, Terence Shigg, said Border Patrol leaders have yet to follow through on President Donald Trump's call for zero-tolerance for illegal border crossings.
"There seems to be no real reason for this, other than a group of senior Border Patrol leadership who wish to just go along to get along," Shigg said.
A spokesperson for Customs and Border Protection declined to comment on the complaints.
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