High-ranking officials from the Texas Border Patrol, Chief Gloria Chavez and Chief Jason Owens, are currently under an ethics investigation following a controversial trip to Mexico. The officials traveled to Jalisco, a state known for its tequila production, where they were seen engaging in festivities at a distillery. This incident has raised concerns about the appropriateness of their actions, given their professional roles.
The purpose of the visit was reportedly to meet with a tequila maker about a potential collaboration on a branded tequila for the Border Patrol’s upcoming 100th anniversary. However, images of the officials partying at the distillery quickly spread on social media, sparking public and internal scrutiny.
The Border Patrol had plans to celebrate its centennial later this month in El Paso, and the partnership with the tequila company was intended to be a highlight. However, due to the unfolding controversy, the specially branded tequila will not be featured at the anniversary event.
The ongoing investigation aims to determine whether Chavez and Owens violated any ethics rules by their participation in the tequila tasting and subsequent festivities. This scrutiny comes at a sensitive time for the agency, which is often under the microscope for its handling of border security and related issues.
Image source: Screenshot from video.
