Bovino Says Border Patrol Agents Are ‘Experts in Dealing With Children’
📅 January 24, 2026
✍️ Editor: Sudhir Choudhary, The Vagabond News
Senior U.S. Border Patrol official Bovino has defended the conduct of agents involved in recent immigration enforcement actions involving minors, stating that Border Patrol personnel are “experts in dealing with children” and are trained to handle such situations with care, professionalism, and adherence to federal guidelines.
The remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of U.S. immigration enforcement practices, particularly following public criticism from immigrant rights groups and some lawmakers over the treatment of children encountered during border operations and interior enforcement actions. Advocates have argued that the presence of minors during arrests or detentions raises serious humanitarian and legal concerns, while federal authorities maintain that established child welfare protocols are followed.
Border Patrol response amid criticism
According to Bovino, agents of the U.S. Border Patrol receive specific training to interact with minors encountered during enforcement actions. This training, he said, includes de-escalation techniques, child-sensitive communication, and coordination with appropriate child welfare authorities when required.
“Border Patrol agents are not only law enforcement officers; they are professionals who routinely deal with families and children under stressful circumstances,” Bovino said in his statement. “Our agents are trained to prioritize safety and well-being, particularly when minors are involved.”
Federal officials emphasize that when children are encountered without a legal guardian, or when a parent is taken into custody, agents are required to follow procedures that involve notifying child protection services or transferring responsibility to appropriate authorities. In cases involving families, officials say efforts are made to keep parents and children together whenever legally possible.
Training and protocols involving minors
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which oversees the Border Patrol, has long maintained that its agents undergo mandatory instruction on the handling of vulnerable populations. This includes guidance on medical screening, access to food and water, and the provision of basic care while individuals are in temporary custody.
Bovino’s comments appear aimed at countering allegations that Border Patrol agents lack the expertise or sensitivity required to deal with children, particularly very young minors. Critics, however, argue that no amount of training can fully mitigate the trauma experienced by children during enforcement actions involving arrest or detention.
Immigrant advocacy organizations have called for greater transparency around such incidents and have urged the federal government to adopt alternatives to detention when children are involved. Some groups have also pressed for independent oversight to ensure that child welfare standards are consistently met.
Broader immigration enforcement context
The statement also reflects the broader political and social debate surrounding U.S. immigration policy under President Donald Trump, whose administration has prioritized aggressive border and interior enforcement measures. Supporters of these policies argue they are necessary to uphold the rule of law and deter illegal crossings, while opponents contend they disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, including children.
Bovino reiterated that Border Patrol agents operate within the law and under clear directives. “Our mission is border security, but that mission is carried out with humanity,” he said. “Agents understand the gravity of situations involving children and act accordingly.”
Ongoing scrutiny likely
Despite these assurances, experts say public scrutiny of immigration enforcement involving minors is unlikely to fade. Legal challenges, congressional inquiries, and media investigations continue to focus on how federal agencies balance enforcement objectives with humanitarian responsibilities.
As debates over immigration intensify in the run-up to future policy decisions, statements like Bovino’s underscore the administration’s effort to defend frontline agents while responding to growing concerns about child welfare at the border and beyond.
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection
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