The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency has had an alarming number of suicides among its employees this year. At least seven CBP workers have taken their own lives, nearly matching the total number from the previous year, with still more than four months remaining. The current situation highlights the toll that the crisis at the southern border is taking on the agency’s employees. There are around 60,000 CBP workers, including approximately 19,000 Border Patrol agents. The spike in suicides is concerning and points to the stressful working conditions that these employees face.
Dr. Kent Corso, a licensed clinical psychologist and former “suicidologist” at CBP, explained that there isn’t one specific reason for the recent increase in suicides, but additional stress at work is certainly a contributing factor. Corso highlighted that law enforcement officers, including Border Patrol agents, are exposed to numerous traumatic events in the line of duty, putting them at a higher risk for suicide. The changing nature of the world, such as unprecedented migration patterns, is also adding to the stress. The situation has been exacerbated since January 2021, with more than 8 million migrants crossing the US-Mexico border under the Biden-Harris administration.
The morale and mental health of CBP workers, especially Border Patrol agents, have declined since the administration change. Agents are facing emotional challenges due to the frequency of discovering dead bodies along the border. The distressing nature of the job is evident in comments made by agents who have faced suicide among their colleagues and described feeling numb and disconnected from their emotions as a way to cope with the grim reality of their work. Many agents are struggling to find meaning and purpose in their roles, with some feeling that their jobs have become meaningless and have lost their original focus on deterring crossings.
Former Yuma Border Patrol Chief Chris Clem echoed the sentiments of frontline agents, highlighting the impact of external factors on agency morale. He noted that when the perceived value and worth of agents are discredited by higher levels, such as the President, it contributes to feelings of purposelessness. While Clem stopped short of solely blaming the Biden administration for the suicides, he acknowledged that it has been a compounding factor in the midst of other life stresses. The lack of recognition and support from leadership can further exacerbate the mental health challenges faced by CBP employees, leading to a sense of loss and worthlessness.
Despite efforts by individuals such as Dr. Corso to implement programs to address mental health issues and destigmatize seeking help, the work is ongoing and requires continuous attention. It is essential to maintain open conversations within the organization, between agents and their supervisors, to create a supportive environment for those struggling with mental health. For anyone facing suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, there are resources available for support and help, including crisis counseling services in New York City and the National Suicide Prevention hotline, which offers assistance 24/7. The need for ongoing support and vigilance in addressing mental health challenges within CBP is crucial to preventing further tragedies.
