Unmasking the Agents Behind the Crackdown

A WIRED analysis of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) records has identified dozens of specialized federal agents from the Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC) and Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) who used force against US civilians. This deployment represents the largest known operation of its kind in US history, shrouded in government secrecy.

From Border Security to City Streets

BORTAC and BORSTAR were initially established for desert rescues, high-risk warrants, conflicts with drug cartels, and manhunts. However, under the Trump administration, these units were increasingly deployed into major US cities. This marked a significant shift in their operational focus.

The Chicago Operation: Midway Blitz

The investigation focused on “Operation Midway Blitz,” a 2025 surge of hundreds of immigration agents into Chicago and surrounding communities. Agents like Padraic Daniel Berlin, David Dubar Jr., Corey Myers, and Paul Delgado Jr. were part of teams conducting sweeps, often based on questionable intelligence.

A Raid Gone Wrong

During a raid on a South Shore apartment building, BORTAC agents detained residents based on unverified claims of gang activity. In one instance, agent Padraic Berlin unleashed his Belgian Malinois, Yoda, on Tolulope Akinsulie, an undocumented immigrant from Nigeria, who was not a target of the raid. The dog repeatedly bit Akinsulie, causing significant injuries.

Escalated Force and Troubled Histories

The WIRED analysis revealed that BORTAC and BORSTAR agents were responsible for the majority of documented uses of force during Operation Midway Blitz. Over 144 instances of force were recorded, with these units accounting for almost a quarter of all personnel involved in confrontations with civilians.

Agent Backgrounds Under Scrutiny

The investigation uncovered concerning backgrounds among some agents, including military veterans with combat experience, individuals with histories of domestic violence or sexual assault, and former police officers with questionable use-of-force records. One agent is married to a TV news anchor covering the Border Patrol, while another participated in the Uvalde school shooting response and posted controversial content online.

Investigations and Accountability

Hennepin County attorney Mary Moriarty is investigating 17 incidents involving federal agents for potential criminal conduct, including the gassing of a crowd in Minneapolis and an enforcement action near Roosevelt High School. US Senator Thom Tillis has also been seeking data from DHS regarding operations in North Carolina.

Loosened Use-of-Force Guidelines

Body camera footage revealed a loosening of the Border Patrol’s use-of-force guidelines under the direction of Gregory Bovino, a longtime BORTAC member who led many of the incursions. In one recording, Bovino stated, “I think if we push this whole fucking block back, that ought to teach ’em a lesson.”

CBP Response and Ongoing Litigation

In response to WIRED’s inquiries, CBP cited concerns about “doxing” and refused to confirm the employment of the identified agents. A spokesperson stated that personnel are “trained to use the minimum amount of force necessary” to ensure safety. The agency declined to comment on ongoing internal investigations. The information used in the investigation was obtained through litigation against DHS over alleged First Amendment violations and uses of force, including the death of Silverio Villegas González and the non-fatal shooting of Marimar Martinez.