Border Agent Arrested for Drunk Driving in Minnesota
A US Customs and Border Protection employee has been charged with drunk driving in Minnesota, according to recent reports. The arrest comes amid heightened tensions in the state following controversial federal immigration operations.
Incident Details and Arrest
Alfredo Mancillas Jr, a 31-year-old border agent, was taken into custody early on Tuesday morning after state troopers discovered him unconscious in a vehicle in St Paul. Troopers reported finding Mancillas slumped over in the car, which was parked in a no-parking zone, and noted he appeared to be covered in vomit.
Officers alleged that Mancillas smelled strongly of alcohol and displayed watery, bloodshot eyes. After failing a field sobriety test, he refused to submit to a breath test and was subsequently booked into local jail on charges of third- and fourth-degree driving while intoxicated.
Background and Context
This arrest occurred just weeks after more than 3,000 federal immigration agents conducted raids in St Paul and Minneapolis as part of the Trump administration's Operation Metro Surge. The controversial operation has faced significant public backlash, particularly after two fatal shootings by immigration agents in January.
In separate incidents earlier that month, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents shot and killed two 37-year-old US citizens: Renee Good on 7 January and Alex Pretti on 24 January. These deaths have intensified scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement tactics in Minnesota.
Agency Response and Investigation
The US Department of Homeland Security, which oversees Customs and Border Protection, confirmed that the agency's professional responsibility office is reviewing Mancillas's arrest. In a statement, DHS emphasized that "CBP stresses honor and integrity in every aspect of our mission" and noted that "the overwhelming majority of CBP employees and officers perform their duties with honor and distinction."
Mancillas was released on his own recognizance shortly before noon on Tuesday and has been given a tentative court date of 24 March. Attempts to contact him for comment were not immediately successful.
Administrative Changes
Following the controversial immigration operations, Trump administration officials have made personnel changes in Minnesota. Border patrol commander Gregory Bovino was demoted from his role as the agency's commander at large and transferred out of Minneapolis.
Administration border chief Tom Homan has taken charge of the Minnesota operation and acknowledged on Thursday that "certain improvements could and should be made," though he did not provide specific details about what changes might be implemented.
