House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer (R-KY) and House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green (R-TN) have launched an investigation into U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials over allegations of retaliation against a witness in the committee's ongoing investigation of President Biden's border crisis.
"The ability of Congress to receive truthful testimony about the activities of the Executive Branch is paramount to performing essential oversight functions necessary to inform the legislative process. Any retaliation against witnesses who cooperate with Congressional inquiries will not be tolerated, especially when that retaliation may have been committed by government officials," Comer and Green wrote in a joint letter addressed to Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner, Troy A. Miller, emphasizing the importance of truthful testimony and cooperation from witnesses in congressional inquiries.
In the letter to Miller, Chairmen Comer and Green demanded a thorough briefing and access to all relevant documents and communications regarding the recent reassignment and employment actions taken against Gregory K. Bovino, Chief Patrol Agent of the El Centro Border Patrol Sector.
The Chairmen expressed their concern in the letter, stating, "We write with deep concern that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials may have retaliated against a witness in a Congressional investigation." The alleged retaliation was in response to Chief Bovino's voluntary transcribed interview with the Committee on Oversight and Accountability and the Committee on Homeland Security on July 12.
According to the whistleblower, who has significant experience and knowledge of CBP personnel practices, shortly after the interview, a senior U.S. Border Patrol official informed Chief Bovino that he was relieved of his command in the El Centro Sector and reassigned to CBP headquarters in Washington, D.C., Comer and Green said.
The whistleblower further claims that such reassignments have been used in the past by CBP officials to exert pressure on employees they wish to leave the agency, forcing them to relocate, retire or resign, according to the letter. The investigation aims to shed light on the alleged retaliation and ensure that witnesses in congressional inquiries are protected from any form of coercion or punishment for their cooperation.