1300 Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20229

 

MAY 0 9 2019

Center for Democracy Technology
1401 St NW Ste 200
Washington, DC 20005

Dear Mana Azarmi,

This is in reSponse to your May 1, 2019 letter concerning the media?s reporting of US. Customs
and Border Protection?s (CBP) targeting of reporters, attorneys, and advocates at the Southwest
Border. We have recently completed our review of this matter. Please allow me to outline our
?ndings.

In October of 201 8, the threat level of the Central American migrant caravan in Mexico reached
higher than normal levels, they demonstrated violent tendencies, and presented transportation,
medical, and housing demands to the Government of Mexico.

To address these developing threats, CBP partnered with the Government of Mexico and other
law enforcement agencies. CBP was also investigating possible violations under 8 US. Code

1324, which pertains to any person who encourages or induces an alien to enter the United
States, knowing or in reckless disregard that they are doing so in violation of law. A number of
journalists and photographers were identi?ed by Mexican Federal Police as possibly assisting
migrants in crossing the border illegally and/or as having some level of participation in the
violent incursion events. Imperial Beach Border Patrol Station Agents were attacked multiple
times by caravan groups on the border attempting to illegally cross.

CBP utilized varied sources of information in assessing the intentions of the caravan upon their
arrival in Tijuana, Mexico. These varied sources of information helped identify a number of
people involved in assisting migrants in crossing the border illegally or having witnessed the
violent actions taken against law enforcement at the border. CBP followed through with
appropriate investigatory queries and compiled caravan information from various sources to
determine if subsequent investigation was warranted. Efforts to gather this type of information
are a standard law enforcement practice. CBP does not targetjoumalists for inspection based on
their occupation or their reporting. CBP has policies in place that prohibit discrimination against
arriving travelers and has speci?c provisions regarding encounters with journalists.

It is important to note CBP is tasked with protecting our Nation?s borders as well as enforcing
numerous laws at our Nation?s ports of entry on behalf of a variety of other government
agencies, including state and local law enforcement. All international travelers attempting to
enter the United States, including all US. citizens, are subject to examination upon each arrival
into this country. Occasionally, CBP may inconvenience law-abiding persons in our efforts to

detect, deter, and mitigate threats to our homeland. We rely on the patience, cooperation, and
understanding of travelers to ensure the effective protection of our borders.

If you should need further assistance, please contact my of?ce at (202) 344-1850.

Since

   

 

. owe
Executive Director
Of?ce of Field Operations