ProPublica Reporter Tells The Story Of The Border Patrol's So-Called 'Douglas Mafia'

Twenty years ago, the Border Patrol was a small agency that didn’t get a lot of attention from the media or the rest of the federal government.

But since the terrorist attacks of 9-11, the agency has nearly tripled in size and budget.

A small group of agents, dubbed “the Douglas mafia,” rode that wave of growth to the top.

Now, they’re retiring one by one, and — according to ProPublica reporter Melissa del Bosque — leaving a culture of misconduct and corruption in their wake. 

Del Bosque explores the story of “the Douglas mafia” in her latest piece, "A Group of Agents Rose Through the Ranks to Lead the Border Patrol. They’re Leaving It in Crisis."

More Stories From KJZZ

• New Designation Gives Border Patrol More Secrecy
• Man Accused Of Killing Border Patrol Agent Extradited To U.S.