A major celebration marking the 100th anniversary of the Border Patrol, scheduled for later this month, has been called off due to concerns surrounding an internal investigation involving top agents and Mexican businessmen.
Border Patrol’s national chief, Jason Owens, announced the cancellation of the gala event in El Paso, Texas, despite years of planning. The decision was made in light of an investigation into Owens and Rio Grande Valley Sector Chief Gloria Chavez, although insiders claim there was no wrongdoing involved.
To prevent agents from potentially facing discipline for attending the gala, Owens decided to cancel the event. The investigation was triggered by reports that a group of senior Border Patrol officials and their spouses traveled to Mexico to party with a tequila maker without disclosing their travel plans.
International personal travel by senior federal law enforcement officials must be disclosed, and agents are prohibited from accepting gifts or money from foreign entities. Despite allegations of ethics violations, individuals involved in the trip maintain that it was approved and documented, with all expenses paid for and accounted for.
Overall, the cancellation of the anniversary gala and the ongoing investigation have caused a stir within the Border Patrol community.
