The U.S. Border Patrol's required proficiency in Spanish made the agency a vital link to federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in need of language translation assistance, but that service will no longer be available.

Seeking language translation help has been a common practice among local law enforcement agencies. If a person was pulled over and could only speak Spanish, the U.S. Border Patrol was often called in, but not anymore.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Deputy Commissioner David V. Aguilar has confirmed that Border Patrol agents will no longer respond to requests for language interpretation assistance from law enforcement personnel not part of the Department of Homeland Security.

One veteran Border Patrol agent called Mr. Aguilar’s new policy “absurd,” saying it would “diminish our ability to serve the communities we patrol” and that “cooperation among agencies undoubtedly will be reduced.”

“The new policy is a dramatic departure from the Border Patrol’s historic support of other law enforcement agencies,” said another agent. “The Border Patrol receives literally hundreds of requests each month for Spanish language translation assistance from law enforcement agencies.”

Both agents asked not to be identified for fear of retaliation.

"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."

Further information on CBP activities can be found on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.

By Alex Dupont
Marketing Communications Specialist
Language Translation Inc.

See Also

• Language translation can be an essential tool for use by U.S. law enforcement agencies
  Translation is the act of rewriting a document, changing it into another language.
• Border Patrol To Stop Interpreting For Local Law Agencies Needing Language Assistance By Manuel Valdes
  U.S. Border Patrol agents will no longer serve as interpreters when local law enforcement agencies request language help, according to a new decree issued by the Department of Homeland Security.