Home Media Center News Releases

That yet another deadly shooting has occurred at a U.S. border crossing point—at the San Ysidro port of entry, south of San Diego, Calif.—sharply underscores NTEU’s argument that border crossings are an increasingly difficult and dangerous work environment. This is the fourth in the past few months and each passing day brings additional proof that the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) employees who work in these locations are entitled to the designation of federal law enforcement officer (LEO). The continuing denial of LEO status to them by the government makes a mockery of the dedication and commitment of these men and women to the service of the public and the security of our nation. There is no supportable rationale for denying them the LEO designation they earn by their performance in an environment where dangerous situations can and do arise on a moment’s notice. Bipartisan legislation, H.R. 1002, would remedy this injustice; it is time for Congress to approve this measure and right this longstanding wrong.