Turley: CBP agents cleared of 'whipping' migrants could sue for defamation, denial of due process
"This administration is looking to scapegoat them because President Biden was wrong," said Brandon Judd, Border Patrol agents' union chief.
By Natalia Mittelstadt
Updated: July 13, 2022 - 11:15pm
The Border Patrol agents who were exonerated last week of charges they whipped migrants in a September 2021 incident could sue for defamation and denial of due process, says George Washington University law professor Jonathan Turley.
An investigation by Customs and Border Protection's Office of Professional Responsibility concluded there was "no evidence" that "any agents struck — intentionally or otherwise — any migrant with their reins."
Despite the finding by their agency, four Border Patrol agents are still being suspended.
"There are two different potential areas for litigation," Turley told Just the News on Wednesday. "First, the agents can appeal the findings and seek other relief for a denial of due process. Second there are possible defamation claims against various public figures and press for the false claims. The videotape undermines the good-faith basis for the claims, particularly after the first 24 hours. However, many states have redaction statutes requiring notice to newspapers and media to allow for corrections."
https://justthenews.com/accountability/turley-cbp-agents-could-sue-defamation-denial-due-process-following-whipping
