The recent killing of Alex Pretti, a 24-year-old man from Guatemala, has once again brought the issue of excessive use of force by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) into the spotlight. The incident, which occurred on May 23, 2021, has sparked outrage and demands for accountability from Congress and the public.
As the investigation into Pretti’s death continues, Congress has pressed CBP for a report on the incident. In response, CBP has provided a list of answers to questions posed by Congress. However, what is even more concerning is that CBP itself supplied the questions for the Q&A session. This raises serious questions about the transparency and credibility of the report.
The report, which was obtained by The Intercept, sheds light on the events leading up to Pretti’s death. According to the report, Pretti was apprehended by CBP agents while attempting to cross the U.S.-Mexico border near El Paso, Texas. He was then taken to a nearby processing center, where he was found unresponsive in his cell the next morning. Despite efforts to revive him, Pretti was pronounced dead at the scene.
The report also reveals that Pretti was not the only person in custody at the processing center that night. In fact, there were a total of 700 individuals being held at the facility, which was designed to hold only 125 people. This overcrowding raises serious concerns about the conditions in which migrants are being held and the lack of resources available to CBP agents.
Furthermore, the report states that Pretti was exhibiting signs of distress and had requested medical attention multiple times. However, his requests were denied, and he was not seen by a medical professional until it was too late. This raises questions about the level of care provided to individuals in CBP custody and the training of CBP agents to handle medical emergencies.
But perhaps the most disturbing aspect of the report is the Q&A session between CBP and Congress. The questions, which were provided by CBP, seem to be carefully crafted to downplay any wrongdoing on the part of CBP agents. For example, one question asks, “Was there any indication that the use of force was excessive or unnecessary?” This type of leading question suggests that CBP is trying to control the narrative and avoid any accountability for Pretti’s death.
It is also worth noting that CBP has a history of excessive use of force and lack of transparency. In 2019, a report by the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General found that CBP agents were not properly trained in the use of force and that there was a lack of oversight and accountability within the agency. This raises serious concerns about the culture within CBP and the need for systemic change.
In the wake of Pretti’s death, there have been calls for CBP to be held accountable and for reforms to be implemented within the agency. This includes increased transparency, better training for agents, and improved conditions for individuals in CBP custody. It is also crucial for Congress to continue to press CBP for answers and to hold them accountable for their actions.
In conclusion, the report on Alex Pretti’s killing and the Q&A session between CBP and Congress have raised serious concerns about the agency’s actions and transparency. It is imperative that CBP is held accountable for their actions and that reforms are implemented to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. As a nation built on the values of justice and fairness, we must demand better from our government and ensure that the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status, are protected.
