Latino

Second CBP-linked Facebook group shows derisive images of migrants: report

by Rachel Frazin - 07/05/19 10:06 AM ET

A second Facebook group linked to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) containing derisive images of migrants has been uncovered by CNN, which published screenshots Friday shared by two people familiar with the social media pages.

The group known as “The Real CBP Nation” has 1,000 members, contains vulgar and sexually explicit posts, with others mocking Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), the separation of migrant families, and Asians and African Americans, according to CNN.

The discovery of the group follows a report by ProPublica on a separate Facebook group in which Border Patrol agents reportedly made derogatory posts about migrants and certain lawmakers.

{mosads}One meme reportedly shared in the newly uncovered group and reposted by CNN depicted a Border Patrol agent apprehending someone with the caption “Feelin kinda cute, might separate some families today idk.”

Another post reportedly included a manipulated image of Ocasio-Cortez asking if a water fountain was a toilet after the freshman lawmaker alleged that people were drinking water from a toilet at a border station, something acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan has denied.

CNN said it could not independently access the Facebook group or verify how many members were connected to CBP.

A CBP spokesperson told The Hill in a statement Friday that the agency received screenshots of the posts allegedly made by CBP employees and shared them with the Office of Professional Responsibility, which investigates reports of employee misconduct.

The spokesperson said that if the investigation finds that CBP employees posted content that violates the agency’s conduct code, it will “inform management decisions regarding appropriate disciplinary action.”

“These posts do not reflect the core values of the agency and do not reflect the vast majority of employees who conduct themselves professionally and honorably every day, on and off duty,” the spokesperson said of the posts reported on by CNN.

In a statement regarding the first Facebook group reported by ProPublica, Border Patrol chief Carla Provost said, “These posts are completely inappropriate and contrary to the honor and integrity I see — and expect — from our agents day in and day out.”

“Any employees found to have violated our standards of conduct will be held accountable,” Provost added.

Treatment of migrants in CBP custody has separately come under scrutiny in recent weeks after reports of poor conditions. An internal Department of Homeland Security watchdog report released this week described overcrowding at some detention centers.

Updated at 11:37 a.m.

Tags Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez CBP Customs and Border Protection Detention centers Facebook groups Migrant shelters