Between 2020 and early 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and its Border Patrol agents have been involved in numerous deadly force incidents, resulting in multiple fatalities along the southern U.S. border. Data collected by advocacy groups and civil rights organizations documented hundreds of deaths linked to CBP actions, including fatal shootings and other use-of-force occurrences.
One recorded case involved a 37-year-old U.S. citizen named Alex Pretti, who died as a result of a fatal shooting incident. The aggregated records highlight that these encounters frequently occur during routine patrol operations and immigration enforcement activities. Many fatalities happened in border communities where agents regularly interact with residents, migrants, and asylum seekers.
Investigations into border-related misconduct have revealed a pattern of challenges involving the use of force, internal disciplinary issues, and allegations of corruption within CBP ranks. Hundreds of agents have faced arrest each year for crimes ranging from corruption and abuse of authority to serious professional misconduct. Despite the volume of complaints and documented allegations, many investigations concluded without disciplinary action or prosecution of involved agents.
Concerns arise over the lack of independent investigations by local and state law enforcement into incidents involving federal agents. Local authorities often defer to federal agencies, resulting in limited external oversight of Border Patrol conduct. Federal prosecutors in several jurisdictions also rarely pursue charges against agents accused of misconduct, contributing to ongoing criticism about accountability mechanisms within CBP.
Recent legal actions have forced the release of evidence related to some fatal Border Patrol shootings, aiming to increase transparency in these cases. Judicial rulings, including one in Illinois, mandated public disclosure of documentation collected by accountability commissions scrutinizing federal law enforcement actions.
Instances involving social media misconduct among CBP employees have also surfaced, raising questions about internal culture and professionalism. Secret online groups where agents engaged in inappropriate discussions prompted additional institutional reviews, though disciplinary outcomes remain limited.
The U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) continue to investigate serious allegations of bribery and corruption tied to some CBP officers, including cases where agents accepted bribes to allow drug-laden vehicles to cross the border. These investigations underscore ongoing efforts to address criminal behavior within the agency.
Despite heightened scrutiny and public concern, many complaints about Border Patrol misconduct remain unresolved. Reports from immigration and human rights advocates emphasize that numerous cases alleging excessive force or abuse have not resulted in meaningful action against Border Patrol agents over the past several years.
The body of information spanning from 2020 to 2026 documents a persistent pattern of violent encounters, internal disciplinary challenges, and missed opportunities for reform within CBP’s southern border operations. Cases of fatal shootings and other deadly force incidents continue to prompt calls for increased transparency and accountability to federal law enforcement practices in border regions.
