Border Patrol chief claims 'misinformation' about hurricane evacuation of immigrants

The chief patrol agent for the U.S. Border Patrol's Rio Grande Valley sector is speaking out on recent news coverage regarding hurricane evacuations and undocumented immigrants.

Chief Ronald D. Vitiello says media coverage during last week's mock hurricane evacuations has "given rise to misinformation and misunderstandings" that need correction.

In a letter to Valley residents, Vitiello writes "Simply put: the Border Patrol will continue to be a full partner with the State of Texas and its communities in any emergency or evacuation situation. Our primary role in such events will be the safeguard of life. No enforcement role will be undertaken that will in any way impede the safe and orderly evacuation of any member of the south Texas population."

Recent news that U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents will check the immigration status of individuals fleeing a hurricane sparked debate among officials and residents across the Valley.

For more on this story, read Thursday's Brownsville Herald.