Border Patrol whistleblower pays price for refusing unearned overtime pay

More than a year later:

What are the results of the investigation Re: fraudulent overtime claims at the Port Angeles USBP station?

Aug 2011- “…Sanchez’s claims had been referred to the federal Joint Intake Center, which will refer it to an investigating agency, possibly the U.S. Office of Special Counsel.”

Hey local reporters-

Plenty of time has passed since August 2, 2011- What are the results of the investigation? No follow up?

DHS is probably best served by stalling on this.

Our Washington State Patrol opened a criminal investigation in a similar case:

Ex-trooper charged with official misconduct for overtime pay

Background here:

Secret arrest statistics & the warehousing of Border Patrol agents at Port Angeles

House Subcommittee Plans Hearing to Examine Homeland Security watchdog

Port Angeles Border Patrol- $9.8 million facility move in day

Possibly of interest:

The Garage Sale Incident

Photo- Ruby Beach- Washington Coast

Compare information from the Sheriff’s Department with US Border Patrol policy:

“Here is the statement released by the Sheriff’s Office:

On 07/19/2012 Clallam County Sheriff’s Office Detectives arrested Sean William Moore Jr, DOB: 02/16/1986 and Travis Lee Turner DOB: 11/02/1992 and booked them into jail for: Robbery 1st Degree 9A.56.200, Burglary 1st Degree 9A.52.020, And Attempted Robbery 1st 9A. 56.200, Theft of a Firearm (4 counts) 9A.56.300, Unlawful imprisonment (2 counts) 9A.40.040, Assault 1st 9A.36.011 and Trafficking Stolen Property 9A.82.055.”

Border Patrol policy:

Aug 2010-

A US Border Patrol spokesperson tells the press:

“Border Patrol spokeswoman Jenny Burke said Monday that the agency will not release any information on the number of arrests made by agents who work out of the Port Angeles station, the names of those arrested, what they were arrested for and the disposition of their cases”

“The number of arrests for Port Angeles’ or any other station is “law enforcement-sensitive,” Burke said.”

“The names of those arrested and other facts about them are not available for release under the 1974 Privacy Act, she said.”

Aug 2011-

“In March, Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Richard Sinks declined to release statistics on apprehensions or detainments made by the Port Angeles station.”

“Disclosure of the arrest statistics from the Port Angeles station would provide those interested in crossing our borders illegally with information that could aid their strategic targeting of potentially vulnerable areas along the border,” he said in an e-mail. “To maintain operational security these numbers will not be provided.”

Why was the vehicle stopped?

Local papers have no problem working with local law enforcement agencies to publish detailed arrest reports– why are federal arrests any different?

Local paper able to coordinate with foreign authorities Re: mishap at sea in Mexican waters– yet details of arrests taking place in Clallam County go unreported.

Local paper reports details of an incident that took place in Africa:

Ferry that sank in African disaster was in Port Angeles last year

Hey local reporters-

When can we expect to hear from you on all this?

Related-

Olympic Peninsula Border Patrol arrest statistics must be kept secret?

Photo- Maritime culture at Point Hudson

Border Patrol Nabs Meth and Heroin at I-5 Checkpoint
In two different busts over the last week, the U.S. Border Patrol seized more than $1 million in drugs.

Looks like maybe this big drug bust would not have made the news if it happened on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula?

Aug 2010-

A US Border Patrol spokesperson tells the press:

“Border Patrol spokeswoman Jenny Burke said Monday that the agency will not release any information on the number of arrests made by agents who work out of the Port Angeles station, the names of those arrested, what they were arrested for and the disposition of their cases”

“The number of arrests for Port Angeles’ or any other station is “law enforcement-sensitive,” Burke said.”

“The names of those arrested and other facts about them are not available for release under the 1974 Privacy Act, she said.”

Aug 2011-

“In March, Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Richard Sinks declined to release statistics on apprehensions or detainments made by the Port Angeles station.”

“Disclosure of the arrest statistics from the Port Angeles station would provide those interested in crossing our borders illegally with information that could aid their strategic targeting of potentially vulnerable areas along the border,” he said in an e-mail. “To maintain operational security these numbers will not be provided.”

More here:

US Border Patrol Port Angeles- arrest statistics are secret- unless we have something to brag about 

Secret arrest statistics & the warehousing of Border Patrol agents at Port Angeles

Photo- Westport, WA

It’s clear the Washington State Patrol sends people to the locations where services are needed:

“The number of troopers patrolling in Pierce County ranges from at least three to as many as 16, depending on what’s going on that day and the need in neighboring counties, Gill said.”

Statistics reveal traffic ticket hot spots in Pierce County 

“Statistics from the Washington State Patrol reveal the spots on Interstate 5 and state routes in Pierce County where drivers are most likely to get a ticket.”

News tip/story idea:

The US Border Patrol is moving into a new $9.8 million, 50 agent facility at Port Angeles.

The US Border Patrol at Port Angeles has stopped 2 people from illegally crossing into the US. That incident took place more than 2 years ago.

Unlike the Washington State Patrol- the US Border Patrol at Port Angeles tells us that arrest statistics must be kept secret.

Imagine a school district wanting to expand staff and facilities and, at the same time- suppressing public information Re: the number of students enrolled, teachers on staff and number of students graduated in the past 36 months.

“…the Border Patrol has refused to divulge the number of agents in Port Angeles…”

Please take a look at fraudulent overtime claims out of the Port Angeles, US Border Patrol station.

Almost a year after the fact- investigation status unknown:

Aug 2011- “…Sanchez’s claims had been referred to the federal Joint Intake Center, which will refer it to an investigating agency, possibly the U.S. Office of Special Counsel.”

Hey local reporters-

Plenty of time has passed since August 2, 2011- What are the results of the investigation? No follow up?

News links and background on this story here:

Secret arrest statistics & the warehousing of Border Patrol agents at Port Angeles

Photo- old ferry inbound at Port Townsend

Aug 2010-

A US Border Patrol spokesperson tells the press:

“Border Patrol spokeswoman Jenny Burke said Monday that the agency will not release any information on the number of arrests made by agents who work out of the Port Angeles station, the names of those arrested, what they were arrested for and the disposition of their cases”

“The number of arrests for Port Angeles’ or any other station is “law enforcement-sensitive,” Burke said.”

“The names of those arrested and other facts about them are not available for release under the 1974 Privacy Act, she said.”

Aug 2011-

“In March, Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Richard Sinks declined to release statistics on apprehensions or detainments made by the Port Angeles station.”

“Disclosure of the arrest statistics from the Port Angeles station would provide those interested in crossing our borders illegally with information that could aid their strategic targeting of potentially vulnerable areas along the border,” he said in an e-mail. “To maintain operational security these numbers will not be provided.”

Arrest statistics are secret.

Secret arrest policy instantly lifted if something to brag about takes place:

2 Canadians Arrested in Marijuana Smuggling Case on Olympic Peninsula
CBP Collaborative Effort Nets 547 Pounds ‘B.C. Bud’

Port Angeles CBP Assets Assist in Arrest of Murder Suspect

“The CBP helicopter and Border Patrol agents on the ground spotted an individual matching the murder suspect in a wooded area near Gelor Road. Border Patrol agents subdued and disarmed the subject who had a 9mm pistol and knife in his possession at the time of the arrest. The suspect and weapons were turned over to the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office.”

Word of US Border Patrol involvement in the above incident was immediately released to the public.

Why is the public told that USBP arrest statistics involving the US/Canada border must remain secret?

Other than the June 3rd incident above- when was the last time the Port Angeles Border Patrol used a helicopter to successfully apprehend anyone- to include any incident related to assisting local law enforcement agencies or preventing any person from illegally entering the US?

CBP showcases apprehensions on their own web site. Does this report threaten national security?

Any other law enforcement agencies observing the do not report arrest numbers due to security reasons protocol?

Did news people in the San Diego area place national security at risk by making this report?

Imagine a school district wanting to expand staff and facilities and, at the same time- suppressing public information Re: the number of students enrolled, teachers on staff and number of students graduated in the past 36 months.

“…the Border Patrol has refused to divulge the number of agents in Port Angeles…”

Local law enforcement agencies set the example in sharing public information with the public.

Compare the Port Angeles Police Dept. to the US Border Patrol.

March 2011- Local paper submits FOIA request for USBP arrest numbers to justify new 50 agent station. FOIA request denied. FOIA appeal denied.

Hey local reporters-

This local story has been developing for years now. There has been plenty of time for people with the advantage of a press credential to schedule appointments, do interviews & ask questions.

Please help us to make sense of all this.

Photo-

Happy Hour- Port Hadlock

Show of hands- how many smaller government folks are OK with having the Border Patrol around to act as a federal reserve force for local law enforcement agencies?

Other than the June 3rd incident below- when was the last time the Port Angeles Border Patrol used a helicopter to successfully apprehend anyone- to include any incident related to assisting local law enforcement agencies or preventing any person from illegally entering the US?

“Nothing in the Constitution gives the federal government authority over ordinary crimes. In America, crime fighting is the responsibility of state and local government. But despite the lack of constitutional authorization, federal policymakers continually try to involve themselves in crime fighting.”

US Border Patrol on the scene- UPDATE — Man taken into custody after manhunt following homicide

Well done US Border Patrol– many supportive comments follow the article above.

“During a manhunt in the area, a dog team and a U.S. Customs and Border Protection helicopter were called in to assist with the search.

“That helicopter was probably instrumental in keeping him pinned down,” Peregrin said.”

“Drum was tracked down by a dog team and flushed out of a wooded area by a Customs and Border Protection helicopter Sunday after a manhunt that lasted more than three hours. He was armed with a 9mm pistol, Benedict said.”

DHS offers a much more detailed report:

“06/03/2012- Port Angeles Border Patrol agents responded to a request for assistance from the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office for an ongoing manhunt. The Clallam County Sheriff’s Office was searching for a subject who had allegedly invaded a home near Port Angeles and murdered one occupant. Port Angeles Border Patrol agents, an air asset from Customs and Border Protection Office of Air and Marine in Bellingham, along with multiple local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies established a containment zone around the last known location of the suspect. The CBP helicopter and Border Patrol agents on the ground spotted an individual matching the murder suspect in a wooded area. Border Patrol agents subdued and disarmed the subject who had a 9mm pistol and knife in his possession at the time of the arrest. The suspect and weapons were turned over to the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office.”

Maybe this is a good time to ask-

Word of US Border Patrol involvement in the above incident was immediately released to the public.

Why is the public told that USBP arrest statistics involving the US/Canada border must remain secret?

Aug 2010-

A US Border Patrol spokesperson tells the press:

“Border Patrol spokeswoman Jenny Burke said Monday that the agency will not release any information on the number of arrests made by agents who work out of the Port Angeles station, the names of those arrested, what they were arrested for and the disposition of their cases”

“The number of arrests for Port Angeles’ or any other station is “law enforcement-sensitive,” Burke said.”

“The names of those arrested and other facts about them are not available for release under the 1974 Privacy Act, she said.”

Aug 2011-

“In March, Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Richard Sinks declined to release statistics on apprehensions or detainments made by the Port Angeles station.”

“Disclosure of the arrest statistics from the Port Angeles station would provide those interested in crossing our borders illegally with information that could aid their strategic targeting of potentially vulnerable areas along the border,” he said in an e-mail. “To maintain operational security these numbers will not be provided.”

Arrest statistics are secret.

Secret arrest policy instantly lifted if something to brag about takes place.

The US Border Patrol has been extremely successful in preventing Central American immigrants from crossing the Strait of Juan de Fuca to get to Forks, WA.

The effort has been so successful- there are no reports of anyone from Mexico or Central America even attempting to illegally cross into the US via the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Urban legend: The US Border Patrol stopped the Millennium Bomber at Port Angeles-

Ahmed Ressam was captured at the traditional port of entry at Port Angeles by Customs Inspectors wearing blue uniforms- not by Border Patrol Agents wearing green uniforms.

Old News

May 31st, 2010-

Two amphibious Canadian marijuana smugglers are captured on a remote Olympic Peninsula beach by the US Border Patrol.

Two total arrests out of the Port Angeles US Border Patrol station that are connected in any way to the US/Canada border?

Two total arrests of people crossing the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Two total arrests involving cross-border traffic for the land and sea based Homeland Security forces stationed at Port Angeles.

“… their main interaction with the boating public: Boarding boats and checking for ID, getting a “vibe,” as Jeff P. called it, for what’s up.”

Here is what’s up–

We are told the #1 US Border Patrol objective is to stop terrorists. The US Border Patrol explains this objective at a local public forum- this YouTube video covers Border Patrol objectives at 3:50.

Post 911 efforts to keep terrorists from visiting the homeland- still unable to keep illegal drugs out-

‘Uptick’ in heroin use seen on North Olympic Peninsula

We’re just weeks away from the grand opening of a new, $5.7 million 50 Agent US Border Patrol station at Port Angeles- an area sharing no land border with Canada.

Still no justification provided by elected officials or the US Border Patrol for an upgrade in staff requiring the 50 agent facility- due to open in the spring of 2012.

Don’t look for local reporters to ask questions about all this.

Keep it simple-

A seven-week citizens academy that requires a limited background check is one way to learn about local Border Patrol operations.

A faster and less costly way can happen if the US Border Patrol would simply update their webpage.

Local law enforcement agencies set the example in sharing public information with the public.

Compare the Port Angeles Police Dept. to the US Border Patrol.

Take a look at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office– these folks are in the people and information business.

Another fast and inexpensive way to get information out to the public-

Hold a press conference.

Local reporters- this would be your chance to ask some questions. Please give it some thought.

Photo- Indian Island Bridge- looking north towards Port Townsend

Sign up for your limited background check and spend seven weeks trying to learn the justification for a new, $5.7 million 50 agent US Border Patrol station at Port Angeles.

The citizens academy may be the answer to years of PR setbacks for the Border Patrol at Port Angeles-

2008- Jefferson County– Checkpoints begin– then end- after local complaints and protests.

Suspicionless bus boardings take place at Discovery Bay.

State and local LE agencies do not conduct DUI/suspicionless checkpoints in Washington State.

We are told the #1 US Border Patrol objective is to stop terrorists. The US Border Patrol explains this objective at a local public forum- this YouTube video covers Border Patrol objectives at 3:50.

At that same forum a lady asked:

“What is the penalty for not identifying oneself to federal agents at an internal, suspicionless checkpoint?”

US Border Patrol said they would call in the Sheriff when a person refused to identify themselves.

Sheriff says they will not respond to a non-emergency situation involving a person peaceably refusing to interact with federal agents.

Question about providing ID is at 0:35

War on Terror- credibility squandered.

Aug 2010-

A US Border Patrol spokesperson tells the press:

“Border Patrol spokeswoman Jenny Burke said Monday that the agency will not release any information on the number of arrests made by agents who work out of the Port Angeles station, the names of those arrested, what they were arrested for and the disposition of their cases”

“The number of arrests for Port Angeles’ or any other station is “law enforcement-sensitive,” Burke said.”

“The names of those arrested and other facts about them are not available for release under the 1974 Privacy Act, she said.”

March 2011- Local paper submits FOIA request for USBP arrest numbers to justify new 50 agent station. FOIA request denied. FOIA appeal denied.

Aug 2011- Agent Sanchez reports USBP staffing level is now 40 agents & fraudulent overtime clams are the norm.

Aug 2011- Post 911 efforts to keep terrorists from visiting the homeland- still unable to keep illegal drugs out.

Sept 2011- Congressman Norm Dicks says USBP whistleblower lacks credibility. A proper investigation will reveal the truth- where is the report Congressman?

Perhaps the citizens academy will take time to explain why- in the whole wide world of law enforcement work- does the Port Angeles US Border Patrol station tell us they can’t report arrests because that would help the bad guys- yet crimes handled by local law enforcement agencies & the FBI are reported as public information?

Perhaps citizens will learn why the USBP Port Angeles secret arrest policy is instantly lifted if something to brag about takes place.

Perhaps citizens will learn why the US Border Patrol seems to have a working relationship with the press at Erie, PA.

Perhaps citizens will learn why it didn’t take a FOIA request or 7 week citizens academy for local people to learn the justification for their new, 50 agent USBP station-

No public information/security conflict at the U.S. Border Patrol station (not sector, which is an arbitrary federal zone- confusing by design) in Erie, PA.

Erie Station– similar to Port Angeles in that it is separated from Canada by water.

Note: reports of the expansion at Erie include numbers of arrests out of that station:

“The Border Patrol operations in Erie, nearly six years old, include more than 30 agents who apprehended 588 illegal immigrants in fiscal year 2008-09.”

“The Border Patrol’s apprehensions in the Erie area have grown steadily, from 332 in fiscal 2006-2007 to 588 in 2008-09 to 305 so far in 2009-10.

Of those apprehended so far this fiscal year, 136 were individuals found by other law enforcement agencies and turned over to the Border Patrol.”

Perhaps citizens will learn why suspicionless checkpoints ended on the Olympic Peninsula in 2008. Suspicionless bus boardings ended in November, 2011– yet USBP staffing has grown to 42 agents at Port Angeles:

“The number of Border Patrol agents operating out of the Port Angeles station grew from 36 in mid-September to 42 as of Friday, said George Behan, a spokesman for U.S. Rep Norm Dicks, whose 6th Congressional District includes Clallam and Jefferson counties.“

Perhaps citizens will learn the results of the investigation Re: fraudulent overtime claims at the Port Angeles USBP station?