Behind the Bastards Episode Summary: "CZM Rewind: The U.S. Border Patrol Is A Nightmare That Never Ends"

Release Date: June 17, 2025

In this powerful rerun episode of Behind the Bastards, host Robert Evans delves deep into the dark and troubling history of the United States Border Patrol. Joined by guest Caitlin Durante, the episode meticulously unpacks the systemic racism, brutality, and corruption that have plagued the agency since its inception nearly a century ago. Through a combination of historical analysis, personal anecdotes, and expert insights, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of why the Border Patrol has become a symbol of relentless oppression and human rights violations.

1. Historical Origins of the Border Patrol

The episode begins by tracing the Border Patrol's roots to the 1924 Immigration Act, a blatantly racist law designed to preserve "Nordic" white supremacy by limiting immigration from Asia and Eastern Europe while making exceptions for Mexican immigrants to support agricultural labor needs. This act not only institutionalized racial discrimination but also led to the formation of the Border Patrol as an enforcement arm of these prejudiced policies.

Robert Evans states, "The 1924 Immigration Act is what establishes the U.S. Border Patrol for the very first time. So this fundamentally racist law written by people who justified it explicitly with race." (06:49)

2. Operation Wetback and Mass Deportations

One of the most egregious actions by the Border Patrol was Operation Wetback in the 1950s, which resulted in the deportation of up to 1.5 million Mexicans, including approximately 60% who were U.S. citizens. This operation showcased the agency's primary objective: enforcing white supremacy through mass deportations and ethnic cleansing.

Evans highlights, "Throughout the 1930s, Mexicans made up at least 85% of all immigration prisoners... Somewhere around 1 million Mexicans were deported from the United States." (47:16)

3. Border Patrol's Role in Latin American Atrocities

The episode sheds light on the Border Patrol's involvement beyond U.S. borders, particularly in Central America. Agents like John P. Longan were instrumental in training death squads in countries like Guatemala, exacerbating conflicts and contributing to genocidal campaigns against indigenous populations.

Citing the book "Migra," Evans explains, "During Operation Wetback, Border Patrol administrators had described their work as fighting back against an invasion..." (90:51)

4. Modern-Day Corruption and Abuse

Transitioning to recent decades, Behind the Bastards exposes rampant corruption, violence, and misconduct within the Border Patrol. From agents engaging in human trafficking and drug smuggling to systemic issues like lack of accountability and inadequate training, the agency's legacy of abuse continues to this day.

Evans points out, "One senior DHS official even admitted to Politico, 'the agency has created a culture that says, if you throw a rock at me, you're going to get shot.'" (134:15)

5. Lack of Accountability and Structural Failures

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the Border Patrol's structural weaknesses, including insufficient oversight and legal protections that shield abusive agents from repercussions. This environment fosters a culture of impunity, allowing heinous acts to persist unchecked.

Caitlin Durante emphasizes, "They use it a lot. They [Border Patrol] use it as a term because of what it sounds like when they beat these people with flashlights." (132:52)

6. Ongoing Struggles and Unresolved Issues

Concluding the episode, Evans and Durante reflect on the enduring challenges facing the Border Patrol, including entrenched racism, continued human rights abuses, and the agency's pivotal role in perpetuating systemic inequality. They argue that as long as arbitrary and racist borders exist, agencies like the Border Patrol will remain instruments of oppression.

Notable Quotes

• Robert Evans (06:49): "The 1924 Immigration Act fundamentally established the U.S. Border Patrol as an enforcement arm of racist immigration policies."

• Caitlin Durante (15:56): "I am happy to be on the record as taking a stance against murdering random people as part of a fear-based system of law enforcement."

• Robert Evans (116:19): "It's to protect whiteness. And it's to provide an outlet for fascists in this country to do horrible violence on people in a way that enforces the state itself."

• Caitlin Durante (142:29): "No accountability. Holy crap."

Conclusion

This episode of Behind the Bastards offers a harrowing exploration of the U.S. Border Patrol's history and ongoing issues. By uncovering the layers of racism, violence, and corruption embedded within the agency, host Robert Evans and guest Caitlin Durante provide listeners with a sobering perspective on one of America's most controversial law enforcement bodies. The narrative underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reform and a reevaluation of immigration policies to address the deep-seated injustices perpetuated by the Border Patrol.