Authorities in New York state have arrested a 53-year-old US Border Patrol agent, Shane Millan, on charges of depriving women of their Constitutional rights against unreasonable searches. The accusations state that Millan allegedly coerced three women to expose their bare chests and a fourth woman to reveal her breasts while keeping her bra on. These incidents reportedly occurred in August 2023 in Jefferson County, along the Canadian border, and 'elsewhere.'
According to the US Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of New York, Millan claimed that the requests for the women to expose themselves were 'legitimate searches incident to admission into the United States.' However, it was revealed that these demands were made for his own gratification rather than any official purpose. The victims were being virtually processed for admission into the US at the time of the alleged offenses.
Millan has been charged with four misdemeanor counts of deprivation of rights under color of law. He was arraigned before a US magistrate judge in Syracuse and released pending trial. A jury trial has been scheduled for October 21.
In response to the incident, US Customs and Border Protection stated that they do not tolerate misconduct within their ranks and that any alleged or potential misconduct is promptly referred for investigation. The agency emphasized its commitment to cooperating fully with criminal or administrative investigations.
The case has raised concerns about the conduct of law enforcement officials and the need for accountability and oversight to prevent abuses of power. The legal representation for Millan is currently being determined as the case progresses.
