Border Patrol faces staffing crisis, Trump plans hiring

The Border Patrol is facing significant challenges, according to a union representative. Jon Anfinsen, executive vice president of the National Border Patrol Council, claims that former President Joe Biden's policies nearly dismantled the agency during his time in office. This situation has now pressured former President Donald Trump to propose major hiring and retention plans. The union represents 16,500 agents and reports that the agency is short-staffed and struggling. Anfinsen stated that Trump plans to hire 10,000 new agents and offer retention bonuses to support the current workforce. Many agents are feeling the effects of a stressful work environment, leading to concerns about mental health, including rising suicide rates. Anfinsen highlighted that about 2,500 agents are eligible for immediate retirement, with another 4,000 becoming eligible in the next four years. This means nearly one-third of the current workforce could leave within that time. He also mentioned that the agency's equipment is outdated, particularly their vehicles. Half of the current vehicles are eligible for retirement, with a long wait for replacements. The union believes that the overall negativity toward the Border Patrol has hindered their ability to recruit and retain agents. Anfinsen warned that if Congress does not support Trump's proposed changes, the agency may face even more resignations in the near future.