I read the article; Border Patrol reportedly rejects recommended curbs on deadly force. This article discusses how Border Patrol agents will continue to have the ability to use deadly force against "rock throwers and assailants in vehicles". This goes against what "The Police Executive Research Forum, a nonprofit group that advises law enforcement agencies", recommended which was to ban the use of deadly force because they deemed it too much and unnecessary. Border Patrol Chief Mike Fisher defended the use of deadly force by repeating "the agency's long-standing position that rocks are lethal weapons", this ban would have brought the agency in line with many metropolitan police departments even though the conditions and terrain are very different since in many cases Border Patrol agents have no where to go and their options are fire their gun or be killed.
Considering the purpose of the Border Patrol is "to prevent the entrance of terrorists and their weapons into the United States" and "to prevent and detect the entry of illegal immigrants" I have no problem with the Border Patrol having the ability to use deadly force when necessary. In 2011, Border Patrol agents were "attacked with rocks 339 times" and only 33 times did they respond with deadly force compared to 118 times they responded with "less-than-lethal force" which consists of pepper spray and batons. Then in 2012 agents were attacked with rocks 185 times a big decrease from the following year and this time they only used lethal force 22 times compared to 42 times they used "less-than-lethal force". In 2011 they only used lethal force 9.7% of the time and in 2012 they used lethal force 11.9% of the time this is a small percentage and since the percentage of the time where they used "less-than-lethal force" is a lot higher I'm sure that these agents clearly felt that their life was in danger. The Border Patrol Agents go out there everyday and do their best to protect our border and as bad, as it might sound their safety and life are worth more than criminals who are illegally entering the United States and attacking them for doing their job. In conclusion, Border Patrol agents should be able to use deadly force if they feel like they are in serious danger.
It sounds like the Border Patrol is showing restraint if they were attacked 339 times and only 33 times they responded with deadly force. That is less than 10%. If the assailants throwing the rocks know that there will be repercussions, it might deter future rock throwing. I wonder how many Border Patrols are hurt by the rocks.
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