YUMA, Ariz- Government records show there are numerous allegations of motorist rights violations occurring along the U.S. Border. But what are border patrol agents really doing to help protect the American people?
A recent report released by the American Civil Liberties Union claims abuse by border patrol agents of travelers in southern Arizona is at “epidemic levels.”
PIO Richard Withers with the Yuma Border Patrol said, “I can’t comment on that I don’t know. I don’t know why they would say that.”
Liberties Activist, Gavin Seim said, “You know I have dealt with a lot of government officials and usually they’ll say I have no comment I’m just doing my job. And my comment to them is I don’t care. I’m not here to negotiate with you I’m not here to ask you permission.”
According to ACLU the report states there several individuals whose rights were violated by border patrol agents.
In the report there were more than 140 civil rights complaints, with the vast majority involving violations of fourth amendment rights against unreasonable search and seizure.
Richard withers with border patrol Yuma sector says illegal drugs and people come through the checkpoint on a daily basis and ultimately it comes down to protecting the American people.
Withers said, “Well I can’t comment of course on any pending litigations against ACLU I can’t but what I can tell you is…This checkpoints are strategically placed in areas of high traffic for smuggling activity. And the immigration checkpoints that are second line of defense from preventing illegal traffic from entering further in the country.”
Seim adds, “As a free people we have not only our right but a duty to stand up for our freedom and for our liberty.”
Withers says if a motorist feels like their 4th amendment rights are being violated they have signs to further explain their policy and explain why agents handle certain situations the way they do.
News 11’s Heather Yako asked Withers, “When people question your immigration checkpoints operations what is this right here on the wall the checkpoint authority that you show them?” Withers response, “This sign was placed in primary and secondary and what it explains is the authority and legality of the checkpoint. Not only for the checkpoint but for the public as well.”
Seim said, “To be honest…I’m not trying to be rude to people and my goal isn’t to pick fights but I don’t care what a government official thinks in regards to mine or my neighbors rights because I love my neighbors myself and I think that we should stand up to that principle.”
Whether you agree or disagree with Southern Arizona’s border policies…Withers wants to remind everyone that border patrol agents are here to protect and serve the people.
Withers adds, “We’re not here to harass or terrorize of question for no reason I mean we’re here to protect the people but also protect the border as well.”