CBS News Investigation: Federal Agents' Tactics May Violate DHS Standards

Investigation into Federal Agent Tactics

• 🔍 CBS News reviewed hundreds of videos showing federal agents using tactics during protests that may not align with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policies.
• 🚨 Local leaders and former federal agents have raised concerns about the dangerous use of force by agents, particularly in the Chicago area.

Specific Tactics Under Scrutiny

• 💥 Videos appear to show agents firing pepper balls at people's heads and spraying protesters with CS gas at point-blank range.
• ✊ Other tactics observed include pushing demonstrators, using unmarked vehicles, and employing choke holds, which DHS classifies as lethal force.
• ⚠️ The investigation highlights that these crowd-control tactics are supposed to be used only when no safer feasible alternative exists.

DHS Policy and Agent Responses

• 🗣️ Customs and Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino defended the use of pepper balls, stating it was in line with policy and applauded agents for protecting a federal facility.
• ⚖️ Bovino suggested that if individuals are hit by stray pepper balls, it is their own fault for protesting or trespassing.
• 📝 DHS policy states aiming above the waist is permissible, but the review found instances of agents aiming at heads and faces.

Expert Assessment and Legal Ramifications

• 🧐 A former federal agent, Eric Balier, reviewed the videos and stated that some tactics qualify as deadly force and show a lack of deescalation.
• 🎓 Balier also suggested that some agents may not have been properly trained for urban crowd-control situations.
• 🏛️ A judge has issued a temporary restraining order blocking agents from using certain less-lethal weapons unless there is an immediate threat, and DHS is reportedly rewriting its guidance.