Border Agents Told Not to Talk to Media

The Associated Press obtained an email that warned more than 3,000 Border Patrol agents not to talk to journalists looking for information about the surge of immigrants—especially children from Central America—crossing the southern border in Texas. Written by assistant chief patrol agent Eligio “Lee” Pena, the email warned of journalists who “may try to disguise themselves” and said agents should not speak to reporters, on or off duty, without permission in advance. Any agent who does could be charged with a crime or disciplined administratively. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Gil Kerlikowske told the Associated Press that he was not aware of Pena’s email but generally, “I am not a fan of telling people not to talk.”