Part 4/12:
Misconceptions About Border Patrol Agents
Addressing public misconceptions, Manadas shares that many Americans think border patrol agents are robotic figures, working sporadically, then waiting at home until called out again. In reality, agents are deeply embedded in communities—children attend the same schools, participate in local sports leagues, and share community bonds.
He reflects on how cultural perceptions sometimes unfairly paint border patrol agents as "border guards" or "border control," which can evoke images of militarized agencies or even dehumanizing connotations. These distorted images hinder a more accurate understanding of the agents' roles—and misrepresent their dedication to community service and national security.