Protect Women From Sexual Harassment at the Border

Target: Carla Freedman, U.S. Attorney for Northern District of New York

Goal: Strengthen charges against border agent accused of abusing his position to sexually violate women.

An agent with the Border Patrol stands accused of wielding his authority to sexually intimidate several women. Shane Millan allegedly ordered these women to show him their breasts during a process for entry into the United States. He reportedly claimed to the women that the demands were part of a routine search.

At least four women were apparently involved in the incidents. The charges, however, seemingly only involve unreasonable searches. As such, all of the charges were reduced to misdemeanors.

This seeming slap on the wrist sends the wrong message to other potential offenders and to future victims. Sign the petition below to demand prosecutors treat this case with the seriousness it deserves.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear U.S. Attorney Freedman,

A doctor in Michigan is facing charges that he filmed several individuals in a state of undress in a dressing room. A U.S. Border Patrol agent faces allegations that he coerced women entering the country to expose themselves to him for his sexual gratification. The difference: one suspect has been charged with several serious felonies, while the other is dealing with only a handful of misdemeanor charges.

And guess which case is in your jurisdiction? Did the alleged actions of a man who reportedly abused his authority and wielded his power in a heinous manner merely merit a citation for “unreasonable searches”? What of the violation and harassment these alleged incidents entailed?

Please show victims of sexual abuse that they matter. Upgrade these charges at once.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: U.S. Customs and Border Protection