The largest U.S. Border Patrol union local stopped just short of officially endorsing GOP candidate Donald Trump for president in a statement praising him for being the “only candidate” to support their mission.

“Mr. Trump is the only candidate that has publicly expressed his support of our mission and our agents,” said a statement from Art Del Cueto, president of Local 2544 of the National Border Patrol Council, which represents 18,000 agents.

“He has been an outspoken candidate on the need for a Secure Border and for this we are grateful,” the statement said, the Washington Examiner reported.

Mr. Del Cueto said that Mr. Trump had sought the local’s endorsement, but the group has a practice of never endorsing any candidate.

“The American public has continually called for a secure border and Donald Trump has promised to make this desire a reality. His campaign has expressed an interest in a Border Patrol’s Agent’s perspective and a tour of our border, that we will gladly provide,” he wrote.

Mr. Del Cueto said agents do not seek to give tours but if asked they will be happy to provide a tour “that gives a realistic idea of what our Agents face on a daily basis.”

“We are confident that the National Border Patrol Council’s longstanding message about the unsecured border and much needed support for our Agents will be received well by Mr. Trump. The American public deserves to be secure in their own country and we encourage all voters to consider that candidate that has the political will to make it happen,” Mr. Del Cueto concluded.

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