What we know about the border
This Week's NPR Deals with speaking about the exact limitations that each and every person faces upon entering the US border, both from the north and the south.
The show focuses on the stories from people that arrive so widespread from folks who have suffered Border patrol abuse, Physical and verbal as well as denial of food, water and medical care by the CBP (customs of border protection)
One such story comes from a 6 year old US citizen who was detained at the border, held for over 24 hours with no food and water and was deported under false accusations. The child then returned 3 weeks later and was diagnosed with PTSD. The issue that comes is the lack of transparency that One US citizen spoke with the CBP manager about the issues and maltreatment that they faced at the border. Both in physical and verbal abuse. the manager avoided all the questions and would not admit to a lack of transparency from the agency. They are operating under slim if non-existent authority because there is no system of checks upon the agency. they are monitored from within. These agents have even been reported to search through US Citizen's phones without any cause and even question the religious beliefs of Muslim travelers. This violates the religious protections under the bill of rights. The guest speaker agrees that in theory the CBP operates to protect against potential dangers. However, the impact that they have in a blatant disregard of standard human rights and procedures within the United STATES, It blatantly Ignores any sort of Miranda Rights.
To me the subject of this show goes hand in hand with the documentaries that we have seen lately and that is the fact that government agency's roam around unchecked and have no real authority to treat american citizens as though they are criminals. With the recent issues that have been popping up in the country such as the Ban- and subsequent repeal of Donald Trump's ban on Muslims. This show brings up the issues that Citizens face by the stigma that comes from targeting a group/religion full of hate. The CBP is continuing to operate unchecked, under those questionable authorities.
First off, the story of the six year old U.S. citizen being detained at the border is appalling. There needs to be a stricter set of rules and regulations to be enforced to ensure public safety. Although crossing the border may be a process, it should not be a hazardous one. I have heard of private contractors whose job is border security but again fall out of line with checks and balances. There needs to be a better system implemented at the border while constantly maintaining human safety no matter what.
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