Customs and Border Patrol deploys troops to DC

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have deployed troops in Washington, D.C., officials announced Monday, as President Trump mobilized the military in the capital city to address the protests over George Floyd’s death. 

CBP Acting Commissioner Mark Morgan posted on Twitter that the law enforcement’s personnel has been sent to the National Capital Region “to assist law enforcement partners.”

“These ‘protests’ have devolved into chaos & acts of domestic terrorism by groups of radicals & agitators,” he tweeted. “@CBP is answering the call and will work to keep DC safe.”

CBP personnel have deployed to the National Capital Region to assist law enforcement partners. These “protests” have devolved into chaos & acts of domestic terrorism by groups of radicals & agitators. @CBP is answering the call and will work to keep DC safe. pic.twitter.com/QLueFkgaPO

— Acting Commissioner Mark Morgan (@CBPMarkMorgan) June 1, 2020

In another tweet, Morgan said the CBP was securing national monuments and memorials across the city.

“Last night, some of them were defaced by rioters,” he said. “We’re working hard to prevent it from happening again, and we’re proud to protect them.”

.@CBP is currently securing national monuments and memorials across DC. Last night, some of them were defaced by rioters. We’re working hard to prevent it from happening again, and we’re proud to protect them. pic.twitter.com/XWuDN19z9V

— Acting Commissioner Mark Morgan (@CBPMarkMorgan) June 2, 2020

The acting commissioner tweeted on Sunday that the CBP was deploying officers at the request of federal, state and local partners “confronting the lawless actions of rioters.”  

CBP is currently deploying officers, agents and aviation assets across the country at the request of our federal, state and local partners confronting the lawless actions of rioters. @CBP carries out its mission nationwide, not just at the border, consistent with federal laws. pic.twitter.com/dTa9EStiaf

— Acting Commissioner Mark Morgan (@CBPMarkMorgan) May 31, 2020

The deployment of the CBP in D.C. came as Trump announced in the Rose Garden Monday that he was dispatching the military across the city. 

In his announcement, the president threatened to send American troops to U.S. cities if governors did not use their state National Guards to “dominate” their streets and gain control following the demonstrations.  

The presence of the CBP presents a dilemma for undocumented activists and beneficiaries of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), known as “Dreamers,” who could risk deportation if they are arrested demonstrating.

Protests over Floyd’s death have erupted in cities across the nation after the 46-year-old African American man died after being detained by Minneapolis police last week.

Bystander video footage of Floyd’s arrest shows former officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck for about nine minutes as Floyd said he couldn’t breathe and becomes unresponsive. 

Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter and has been fired from the police department. Three other officers involved in the detainment were fired but have not been charged.