President of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association: What's really happening at the border?

Written by Mathew Silverman, National President of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association

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Last month, I accepted an invitation from the new owner of Law Enforcement Today (LET) Kyle Reyes, to join him on a border trip in Texas. It was coordinated in partnership with the Texas Municipal Police Association and Texas DPS, and LET brought a film crew.

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit hesitant. Let’s face it, the situation at our southern border is an apolitical topic that’s turned into a political hot potato. And quite frankly, it’s a national disgrace that we’ve allowed the media to divide our country to the point where any of us would even hesitate before going down to stand behind those who serve and protect.

So I accepted the invitation. And couldn’t be more glad I did.

First up: Shelby Park.  The media has built up this battle line between “the cops” and “the feds." They’ve said local and state law enforcement are blocking federal law enforcement- namely, Border Patrol-  from being able to do their jobs.

This couldn’t be further from the truth. I saw with my own eyes the intense coordination between Texas law enforcement and our men and women.

But there was something I saw that ripped my heart out as the President of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association.

What I saw was exhaustion. I’m not talking about being tired, mind you. I’m talking about a deep, deep level of exhaustion of those trying to hold the line. In speaking with them, it was clear – they feel like they’re in the middle of a war that they are not only losing, but that they’re receiving no support in fighting.

The media is attacking them. They feel like they’re handcuffed from being able to enforce our nation’s laws. They’re broken-hearted at seeing what’s happening to innocent women and children. 

They’re terrified about the number of single, military-age males coming in from countries like Mauritania and China and Syria and Iran. They’re angry at watching fentanyl and other drugs pour into America. They’re afraid for their families as they witness escalating threats from the cartels.

And they feel abandoned. 

Unfortunately, that feeling of abandonment by our personnel at the border is one that far too many law enforcement officers are feeling right now.

To be clear, I’m not speaking specifically about politics here.

I’m talking about feeling abandoned by the public. By the media. By friends and family. By leadership. And yes, even at times, by our own brothers and sisters.

We are all working in challenging times. Uncertain times. Days where things don’t make sense. Where true evil is on display.

Many of our members are battling everything from child sex crimes to human trafficking, and from terrorism threats to dangers from enemy nations.

It’s time for us to be unified. It’s time for us to lift each other up – no matter what agency we’re with or where we serve. 

The media has done a spectacular job of dividing the public from its public servants. Perhaps this is our opportunity to show that we do what we do not to protect one color or gender or class or sexual orientation or political party, but all Americans.

My commitment to all of our members at FLEOA is to be more diligent, more focused, and more deliberate in telling the stories of our members. To highlight the good work they are doing day in and day out, and to showcase the unity that comes from strong partnerships between the agencies we all represent and the community.

I hope that others will join me in this.  The Texas trip was an important wake up call and a reminder that every state is a border state… but every single one of our members remains dedicated to protecting this great nation and the people in it.