FBI shifts immigration agent cases to HSI after recent fatal shootings, sources say - CBS News
Internal emails suggest the FBI is shifting responsibility for investigating assaults on DHS immigration agents to Homeland Security Investigations. While officials deny a formal policy change, the move raises concerns about the independence of investigations into officer-involved shootings.
Why it matters
The shift in investigative authority could impact the transparency and accountability of federal law enforcement agencies.
FBI agents around the country received guidance last week that they will no longer participate in investigations of assaults on immigration agents, including incidents that culminate in an immigration agent opening fire, emails reviewed by CBS News show. Instead, an arm of Immigration and Customs Enforcement called Homeland Security Investigations will handle the probes.Justice Department and Homeland Security Department officials deny such a policy change is taking place.But in the emails reviewed by CBS News, FBI officials and HSI special agents in field offices were advised that the FBI would be deferring on all assault on federal officer inquiries involving DHS agents to HSI.
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