# US Border Patrol anti‑Latino slur and profiling allegations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-border-patrol-antilatino-slur-allegations
> Updated: 2026-08-14T22:01:56.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 3.

Federal court filings in Vasquez Perdomo v. Noem reveal that Border Patrol agents used slurs such as “tonk” and “wet” to disparage Latino individuals during patrols and arrests. Evidence including body-camera footage and text messages shows agents using this language during sweeps in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Minneapolis. One recorded instance included an agent stating, “There was a guy, I’m pretty sure he’s wet,” while other messages referenced “tonks everywhere selling food” and instructions to “plug us in wherever you see some tonks.”

The ACLU of Southern California has sought a preliminary injunction, alleging these actions violate Fourth and Fifth Amendment protections by targeting individuals based on ethnicity and income. These incidents occurred under the command of former leader Greg Bovino. While the Department of Homeland Security maintains its operations are constitutional and focused on protecting the American people, the litigation challenges long-standing jurisprudence regarding racial profiling.

In response to the evidence, U.S. District Judge Maame E. Frimpong has indicated a potential leaning toward restricting warrantless arrests. Such an order would require agents to evaluate a suspect’s flight risk—including community ties like employment and family—before proceeding without a warrant, potentially shifting the execution of the administration’s deportation campaign.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-14: US immigration agents accused of racial profiling in mass raids

Evidence of racial profiling and the use of slurs by federal agents has emerged during immigration raids, while a federal judge considers restricting warrantless arrests in Los Angeles.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-immigration-agents-accused-of-racial-profiling-in-mass-raids

### 2026-08-01: U.S. Immigration Agents Use Racial Slur “tonk” in Los Angeles Sweeps

Court documents reveal U.S. immigration agents in Los Angeles used the slur “tonk” and other racial terms during sweeps, leading civil‑rights groups to seek an injunction against profiling.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-immigration-agents-use-racial-slur-tonk-in-los-angeles-sweeps

### 2026-07-28: U.S. Border Patrol agents accused of using anti‑Latino slurs in Los Angeles

Court filings reveal Border Patrol agents in Los Angeles using slurs “tonk” and “wet” against Latinos under former leader Greg Bovino; the ACLU seeks an injunction over alleged constitutional violations.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-border-patrol-agents-used-racial-slurs-in-los-angeles-operations

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Cite as: US Border Patrol anti‑Latino slur and profiling allegations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-border-patrol-antilatino-slur-allegations