Mocking a minor who died in U.S. government custody. Threatening to throw “burritos” at Latina lawmakers. Portraying ー in a manufactured image ー Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez engaged in oral sex at a detention center.
That’s just some of the vulgar content uncovered on a secret Facebook group containing current and former Customs and Border Protection officers that critics say is evidence of pervasive sexism and racism within the federal enforcement agency.
News of the group’s existence, which was revealed by a ProPublica investigation on Monday, comes amid widespread outrage over how the government is approaching the treatment of migrants at the southern border, including the deaths of multiple people held in U.S. custody, the separation of children from their parents, and reports of inhumane conditions at detention centers.
“I’m concerned that perhaps nobody brought this to the attention of authorities within the border control or that supervisors didn’t act to shut it down earlier,” A.C. Thompson, the ProPublica reporter who broke the story, told Cheddar. “What we were seeing in the group was people talking about incredibly disparaging things regarding women, regarding migrants, regarding other folks.”
“It is concerning that it’s a group this big.” Thompson’s reporting found that the group has about 9,500 members, including those confirmed to be current or former border control officers.
“There are likely some private citizens who are in not in the border control, but we can’t say that for sure,” explained Thompson.
He said he found the group through screenshots sent by sources in the Border Patrol.
The agency, which says that abusive and derisive comments about race, gender, and national origin made on private social media violate its standards of conduct, has now begun an investigation.
“These posts are completely inappropriate and contrary to the honor and integrity I see — and expect — from our agents day in and day out. Any employees found to have violated our standards of conduct will be held accountable,” said CBP Chief Carla Provost in a written statement.
In a statement to Cheddar, a Facebook spokesperson said: “We want everyone using Facebook to feel safe. Our Community Standards apply across Facebook, including in secret Groups. We’re cooperating with federal authorities in their investigation."
Spokespeople for both Rep. Veronica Escobar, who was also discussed disparagingly in the Facebook group, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez did not respond to a request for comment.
However, Escobar tweeted Monday, “We need greater transparency, oversight, and especially after the reports about the vile Facebook group, we need accountability. No person who has that much disdain for another human being — especially the most vulnerable among us — should have a gun or a badge.”
The ProPublica report was published as members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, including Escobar and Ocasio-Cortez, visited detention facilities on the border.
“What I think it may do is cause some soul-searching and some shake-up at the border control, and at the broader Customs and Border Patrol agency, and some discussion about what is the culture here,” said Thompson.
“A lot of it seems to be in response that sort of a sense that agents feel that they’ve been demonized. But instead of reacting professionally, they’re reacting in highly, highly offensive ways.”
The president, in an interview with CNBC this week, said he's looking to tax every single Chinese good that enters the U.S., which amounts to $505 billion. The tariffs would come at a time when prices for common consumer products, including the Apple Watch, FitBit, and smart speakers, could rise. Cheddar's Tim Stenovec and Kristen Scholer break down the news.
The actor, comedian, and activist created an augmented reality app called "House of Cats," which features an animated, satirical version of the president called "Trump-y Cat." A portion of the proceeds will go to support refugees. "We are going to counter his hostility with support," Takei tells Cheddar.
Economic growth at 4 percent is unsustainable and could pull back, warns Samantha Azzarello, Global Market Strategist at JPMorgan ETFs. GDP has been energized by tax cuts, increased spending, and consumption, and Azzarello predicts the high won't last.
Christopher Wray, who became director of the FBI last August, said in a statement that his assessment of Russia and the 2016 election has not changed, despite what Trump may say. "The President clearly has personal interests, or some sort of interests, that are separate from what the U.S. intelligence community has when it comes to Russia," says Eric Boehm, reporter for Reason.com.
These are the headlines you Need2Know.
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* **Manafort Goes to Court:** The case against former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort is moving forward--despite a denial of his team's request for a change of location. Manafort's team asked for the trial to be moved from Alexandria to Roanoke, believing that Alexandria's more liberal base would be less forgiving and attract more press.
* **University Doctor Under Fire:** A former Ohio State University doctor is accused of molesting student athletes after complaints surfaced from several ex-wrestlers--one of whom condemned is Congressman Jim Jordan for ignoring the allegations.
* **Vacancies at Comic-Con:** The 2018 Comic-Con kicks of in San Diego tonight. But some of the usual attendees will be missing: network HBO, the Avengers, X-Men and Deadpool will be among the absent guests.
* **American League Still Number One:** The American league clung to its title as reigning champ after it defeated the National League for the sixth straight year during last night's MLB All-Star game.
Cheddar Big News' Hena Doba gives us the details.
Cheddar's J.D. Durkin recounts the tense moment during the Trump-Putin press conference in Helsinki when the Russian president was asked if he had any compromising material on President Trump.
The president said on Tuesday that he has "full faith and support" in U.S. intelligence agencies, walking back comments he made a day prior during a joint press conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During Monday's conference, Trump seemed to challenge the findings of American agencies that Russia interfered with the 2016 elections, sparking widespread criticism at home -- even from his most loyal backers.
