LA Mayor Karen Bass calls it ‘sad’ that Hispanics are joining Border Patrol – suggests they’re desperate for money
On Friday, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass voiced her disappointment after a CNN story highlighted a surge of new Border Patrol recruits, most of whom are Hispanic. She said the trend “…is occurring primarily because of financial incentives,” hinting that many are attracted mainly by the paycheck.
“We’re seeing a lot of people who may not have considered law‑enforcement otherwise stepping into the line of duty,” Bass explained on “The Situation Room” with host Wolf Blitzer. “Well, in a way, I think it’s sad,” she added. Later, the mayor clarified, “I do understand that their primary incentive is financial,” and noted that it reflects the larger financial pressures affecting many Americans.
The CNN report also included brief interviews with newly recruited agents. A 20‑year‑old recruit, Juan Peralta, told correspondent David Culver that he felt “…they didn’t come in the right way, so they aren’t my kind.” Meanwhile, Border Patrol Agent Claudio Herrera shrugged off criticism, saying, “I’m protecting my community,” and added, “I’m protecting both sides of the border.”
These comments come as federal data confirm that more than half of current Border Patrol officers are Hispanic. The agency is expanding its training pipeline, with this year’s academy enrolling a record number of new soldiers, according to a Reuters‑provided graphic.
The boost in recruitment can be traced to the recent One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which widened funding for border security and enabled Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to offer substantial recruitment bonuses. New agents may receive up to $60,000 in incentives: a $10,000 bonus after completing the academy, an additional $10,000 for assignments in remote locations, and other possible financial perks.
Commissioner Rodney Scott emphasized the agency’s commitment to attracting skilled professionals, stating, “By offering competitive incentives, we are investing in skilled professionals who will help secure America’s borders and advance national security.”
Bass’s comments reflect the mayor’s broader concern about how monetary rewards can shape public‑service motivations, especially among communities that have historically served as the backbone of U.S. border patrol. While acknowledging the economic realities that draw many to the role, she warned that these incentives may outpace the training needed for the complex realities of border security work.
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