Federal agent charged with violating civil rights

McALLEN, Texas – A 28-year-old former Border Patrol (BP) employee is facing charges that he deprived the constitutional rights of a Honduran teenager, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Authorities took Gregson Martinez into custody today. He is set to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Anne Berton tomorrow at 2 p.m.

On July 21, 2021, BP agents apprehended a 17-year-old unaccompanied Honduran citizen near Hidalgo, according to the charges. They then allegedly transported him to the Donna Processing Center.

Martinez reportedly worked at the Donna facility as a Border Patrol Processing Coordinator.

While authorities questioned him, Martinez allegedly struck the 17-year-old male across the face. 

Martinez was terminated Aug. 2, 2021.

If convicted, he faces up to a year in federal prison and a possible $100,000 maximum fine.

Department of Homeland Security - Office of Inspector General and Customs and Border Protection - Office of Professional Responsibility conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Garcia is prosecuting the case. 

A criminal information is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.