Photo: AFP
A California couple says they're regretting their vote for Trump after they were allegedly racially profiled and wrongfully detained by U.S. Border Patrol agents.
George and Esmeralda Doilez, who are U.S. citizens, said their encounter with Border Patrol agents unfolded on August 6 while they were scouting campsites near the McCain Valley Recreation Area, just miles from the Mexico border. According to the couple, an unmarked SUV followed them, activated its siren, and pulled them over. Border Patrol agents approached their vehicle wearing masks.
“Who does that? Criminals do that. Robbers and thieves do that. Kidnappers do that,” George Doilez told NBC7 San Diego. “And that’s what we’re seeing by our own government.”
A Border Patrol agent told the couple that they were stopped because they had made U-turns in an area known for migrant crossings. George explained that the pair was camping before an upcoming dental appointment.
“If you have a dentist appointment, it probably wasn’t the best decision to be out in the middle of nowhere," the agent responded.
“We have the right to travel anywhere we want to travel,” George said, to which the agent replied, “You’re absolutely right… and I actually have the right and authority to stop you.”
Agents brought in a K-9 unit, which detected a small amount of legally purchased cannabis. The couple said they were threatened with arrest unless they exited the vehicle for a full search. Ultimately, after about 30 minutes, they were let go with a warning.
“Terrified, absolutely terrified,” George recalled of the incident. “If I fight these guys, I’m going to lose. I could get killed out here. But why should I allow them to trample on my Constitutional rights?”
The pair believes they were targeted because of their race.
“Why are we not allowed to be here? Because we’re not white?” George asked. “Our skin doesn’t match?”
Following the encounter, the couple said they regret voting for Trump in the 2016 and 2024 presidential elections.
“I feel shame, guilt, and anger,” George said. “He lied on those [promises] and he stole our vote.”
“We can’t let them take our rights,” Esmeralda added. “Then we’re nothing.”
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