MENENDEZ, BOOKER, COLLEAGUES INTRODUCE BORDER PATROL ACCOUNTABILITY LEGISLATION

Statement

U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.) joined Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) in introducing the Border Accountability, Oversight, and Community Engagement Act. This bill would create mechanisms for border residents and stakeholders to provide recommendations and oversight of border policies, while also improving training and enforcement accountability of U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The legislation would also enact critical reforms to immigration enforcement at the U.S. border that would help prevent abuses and increase scrutiny of incidents such as those carried out in Del Rio and many other communities along the border.

"Protecting our border is a sacrosanct responsibility we have as a nation, but the enforcement of our immigration laws should always adhere to our highest values. I am proud to be joining my colleagues in introducing this important legislation that will increase oversight and accountability of immigration enforcement at the border. It is my hope we can pass this bill and empower local leaders to be involved in the development of policies that most impact their communities," said Sen. Menendez.

"As long as the United States government fails to treat immigrants at the Southern border with dignity and respect, we cannot fully claim that our nation is living up to its highest values and ideals," said Sen. Booker. "This legislation will give Congress, advocates, and border communities greater oversight to help identify and reform systemic issues that currently plague our immigration system, which in turn will better protect the human rights of migrants seeking asylum in the United States."

Specifically, the Border Accountability, Oversight, and Community Engagement Act would:

Establish a commission within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) comprised of representatives from northern and southern border states to develop policy recommendations, evaluate policies, and improve agent and officer safety.

Establish the DHS Office of the Ombudsman dedicated to investigating complaints, identifying systemic issues, and providing recommendations to improve border and immigration activities.
Create a border liaison office within U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Mandate certain training and education for CBP officers and agents, such as community policing practices, lawful use of force and de-escalation tactics, and history and ethics of asylum law.

Require reports from DHS, CBP, and GAO, such as an assessment of staffing needs and border security strategy, use of body-worn cameras, use of force policies, and death of migrants while in custody.

This legislation is supported by the Border Network for Human Rights (BNHR) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Texas.

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