Laredo Border Patrol chief criticized for coronavirus response

High-ranking U.S. Border Patrol officials in the Laredo Sector are failing to protect agents from COVID-19, said the National Border Patrol Council Local 2455 in an open letter posted on its Facebook page.

“It has become abundantly clear that Laredo Sector Chief Patrol Agent Felix Chavez and his sidekick, Watch Commander Charles "Chuck" Schlesinger, are failing to protect Border Patrol Agents from COVID-19. We are not sure if CPA Chavez is just being a ‘Lame Duck Chief’ since he will be retiring in less than (three) months, or maybe he prefers to downplay the seriousness and dangers of COVID-19,” states the post signed by Local 2455 President Hector Garza.

Garza pointed out that Chavez failed to approve safety leave for agents who were exposed directly or indirectly in five different situations related to COVID-19.

“Keep in mind that a workplace exposure to COVID-19 will surely affect the American public and our family members, especially those with chronic medical issues like asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes, lung disease, etc.,” Garza stated. “In one instance, CPA Chavez would not approve safety leave until the employee tested positive for COVID-19, and by that time, the potential for exposure to the remainder of the workforce and the American public had already taken place.”

Garza added that chiefs in other sectors are taking a different approach, exercising their discretion to protect the Border Patrol workforce and the American public.

Meanwhile, Chavez will not approve safety leave for agents who were directly or indirectly exposed to suspected or confirmed COVID-19, “even when a doctor has ordered the employee to a mandatory quarantine,” according to Garza.

Union representatives encouraged agents to utilize appropriate personal protective equipment during the performance of their duties: dealing with the public, manning the checkpoint, arresting, detaining, searching, processing and transporting detainees.

Border Patrol did not respond to a request for comment.