DANIA BEACH, Florida (AP) — Border Patrol agents are undergoing a unique form of training to address the emotional toll of enforcing immigration policies amidst public scrutiny. The agency has expanded its chaplaincy program, with lay agents endorsed by their faith denominations receiving training to provide spiritual care for their colleagues.
Unlike traditional chaplaincy programs in the military or law enforcement, Border Patrol chaplains are lay agents who undergo a 2.5-week academy to become chaplains. The program has seen a significant increase in participation, with about 240 chaplains currently compared to 130 four years ago.
Border Patrol agents face a challenging dichotomy in their work, as they strive to protect U.S. borders while often being perceived negatively by the public. This dissonance can lead to emotional strain, isolation, and even family crises among the 20,000 agents.
Chaplains play a crucial role in providing support and counseling to agents dealing with trauma, addiction, survivor guilt, and other challenges. While most chaplains are Christian, they offer non-faith-specific care and only discuss religion if initiated by the individual seeking help.
Training at the academy includes role-playing scenarios to prepare chaplains for critical situations such as assisting a suicidal colleague or notifying a family of a loss. They also learn about communication, family dynamics, and the impact of constant redeployments on agents and their families.
Chaplains like Yaira Santiago, a former schoolteacher now working at a Border Patrol migrant processing center, provide essential support to both agents and migrants. By combining their faith, compassion, and training, chaplains aim to make a positive difference in the lives of their colleagues.
Border Patrol agents, including academy graduates like Matt Kiniery, emphasize the importance of chaplains in offering comfort and support during challenging times. The chaplaincy program serves as a vital resource for agents navigating the complexities of their demanding roles.
