By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Former Border Patrol agent Shane Millan pleaded guilty to two counts of deprivation of rights, admitting he forced at least two female border crossers to expose their breasts during virtual processing. He falsely claimed these actions were legitimate searches, but his internet searches for Spanish phrases like “lift your shirt and bra” reveal his true intentions. Millan’s actions violated the women’s constitutional rights, and he faces up to two years in prison and a $200,000 fine at his July sentencing. One victim was told she would not be allowed entry into the U.S. until she complied with his demands.
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A disgraced border agent, Shane Millan, has pleaded guilty to abusing his power by demanding that women expose their breasts as a condition for entry into the United States. This occurred during virtual hearings he conducted at the Eagle Pass border crossing in Texas, while based in New York.
Millan’s actions involved multiple women, and the accounts are deeply disturbing. In one instance, he told a woman with a young child that he needed to see a tattoo on her chest. When she denied having one, he insisted she lift her shirt to prove it, and she complied. Later, he demanded she repeat the act, threatening to deny her entry unless she complied again. Upon her compliance, his response was reportedly, “OK… Welcome to the USA,” a starkly inappropriate and callous rejoinder to a coercive act.
The disturbing details don’t end there. Court records revealed that Millan actively searched online for Spanish translations of phrases such as, “I will need you to lift your shirt and bra also, please” and “to verify I will need you to lift your shirt, please,” illustrating a premeditated and deliberate pattern of behavior. These actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the women’s dignity and rights.
The gravity of Millan’s actions cannot be understated. He used his position of authority to exploit vulnerable individuals seeking entry into the country, imposing humiliating and demeaning conditions for a process that should be conducted with respect and professionalism. His actions are not simply a violation of professional ethics; they represent a profound breach of trust and a gross abuse of power.
The fact that these acts were committed remotely, via webcam, raises further concerns. It suggests a potential for even broader abuse beyond the specific incidents documented in the court records. The ease with which he could make these demands, hidden behind a screen, only amplifies the severity of the situation.
The lenient sentence he faces—a maximum of two years in prison and a $200,000 fine—is a matter of public concern. Many feel it fails to adequately reflect the seriousness of his crimes and the lasting trauma inflicted upon his victims. The possibility of a significantly shorter sentence raises questions about accountability and the message it sends regarding such abuses of power within law enforcement.
Millan’s actions underscore a broader systemic issue. It highlights the need for increased oversight and stricter accountability mechanisms within border patrol agencies. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential for abuse when unchecked power is combined with vulnerabilities inherent in immigration processes. Strengthening safeguards, enhancing training programs focusing on ethical conduct, and implementing robust systems for reporting and investigating such abuses are crucial steps in preventing similar incidents in the future.
Ultimately, Millan’s case is not just about one individual’s misconduct; it represents a deeper societal problem that necessitates comprehensive reform and a commitment to ensuring the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status. The focus must shift towards addressing the underlying issues that allow such abuse to occur and preventing similar abuses of power from happening again. The response to this incident must move beyond mere condemnation and into a proactive commitment to systemic reform to protect vulnerable individuals from similar exploitation.