Border Patrol Stops Offering Language Interpreters to Local Law Enforcement Agencies

By Steve Neavling
ticklethewire.com

When law enforcement agencies need help translating a language, they often call the U.S. Border Patrol for help.

But under a new decree issued by the Department of Homeland Security, Border Patrol agents won’t be used as interpreters for local authorities, the Huffington Post reports.

The idea, Border Patrol officials said, is to keep the agency focused on protecting the borders.

“The new guidance related to requests for translation services helps further focus CBP efforts on its primary mission to secure our nation’s borders.” a statement by Customs and Border Protection said. “CBP remains committed to assisting our law enforcement partners in their enforcement efforts.”

Immigration rights groups have long opposed the Border Patrol’s involvement, saying people were being arrested on suspicion of being in the country illegally, the Huffington Post wrote.

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