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|image=DavidKim1.jpg
|image=DavidKim1.jpg
|verification=Verified
|verification=Verified
|summary=David Kim is an Assistant Chief Patrol Agent with the U.S. Border Patrol’s El Centro Sector. He has appeared publicly representing the sector in media interviews, operational briefings, and CBP press releases, often speaking on enforcement actions happening well beyond the immediate border region.
|summary=David Kim is an Assistant Chief Patrol Agent with the U.S. Border Patrol’s El Centro Sector. He has appeared publicly representing the sector in media interviews and CBP press releases, including commentary on immigration enforcement operations conducted beyond the immediate border region.
}}
}}
== Overview ==
== Overview ==
David Kim is a senior official within the U.S. Border Patrol assigned to the El Centro Sector, which covers Imperial and parts of Riverside County, California. As an Assistant Chief Patrol Agent, Kim is part of the sector’s upper leadership responsible for field operations, public communications, and oversight of enforcement initiatives.
David Kim is an Assistant Chief Patrol Agent with U.S. Border Patrol’s El Centro Sector in California.<ref name="CBP_Citizens2015">[[https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/el-centro-sector-border-patrol-held-citizens-academy-graduation](https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/el-centro-sector-border-patrol-held-citizens-academy-graduation) El Centro Sector Border Patrol Held Citizens’ Academy Graduation], U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), 30 Oct 2015.</ref> In CBP public communications, Kim is repeatedly quoted in his official capacity regarding enforcement activity and operational outcomes in the El Centro Sector area of responsibility.<ref name="CBP_Sureno2019">[[https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/border-patrol-agents-arrest-sure-o-gang-member-2](https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/border-patrol-agents-arrest-sure-o-gang-member-2) Border Patrol Agents Arrest “Sureño” Gang Member], CBP, 11 Feb 2019.</ref><ref name="CBP_SexOffenderGang2018">[[https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/border-patrol-arrests-sex-offender-and-known-gang-member](https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/border-patrol-arrests-sex-offender-and-known-gang-member) Border Patrol Arrests Sex Offender and Known Gang Member], CBP, 2 Apr 2018.</ref>


Kim has become one of the more publicly visible officials from the El Centro Sector, frequently appearing on television or being quoted in CBP press releases about arrests, criminal prosecutions, and immigration enforcement. His media presence has coincided with an uptick in high-profile operations in Southern California.
Kim has also been identified by name and title in independent reporting describing El Centro Sector operations conducted away from the immediate border region, including operations described as testing the sector’s ability to operate at greater distance from its home area.<ref name="inewsource_2025">[[https://inewsource.org/2025/03/14/lawsuit-border-patrol-el-centro-chief-kern-county-operation/](https://inewsource.org/2025/03/14/lawsuit-border-patrol-el-centro-chief-kern-county-operation/) inewsource talked to El Centro’s Border Patrol chief now being sued over Bakersfield arrests. Here’s what he said], inewsource, 14 Mar 2025.</ref>


== Documented Incidents ==
== Documented Incidents ==
''This list updates automatically when incident pages link to this agent.''
''This list updates automatically when incident pages link to this agent.''
{{IncidentsForAgent}}


== Public Activity and Media Presence ==
== Public Activity and Media Presence ==


=== FOX 11 Los Angeles Appearance ===
=== FOX 11 Los Angeles reporting (June 2025) ===
David Kim was featured in a FOX 11 Los Angeles broadcast discussing federal enforcement activity in the Los Angeles region. He appeared in standard Border Patrol tactical gear and a cowboy hat, captioned on-screen as:
Kim was interviewed by FOX 11 Los Angeles in a report describing Border Patrol activity in the Los Angeles area in coordination with immigration enforcement operations, in which he is identified as “Assistant Chief David Kim” from Border Patrol’s El Centro Sector.<ref name="FOXLA_June2025">[[https://www.foxla.com/news/border-patrol-ice-los-angeles-immigration-raids](https://www.foxla.com/news/border-patrol-ice-los-angeles-immigration-raids) Border Patrol says California, LA 'sanctuary' policies force public patrols], FOX 11 Los Angeles, 18 Jun 2025.</ref> In the same reporting, Kim comments on operational activity in Los Angeles County and describes enforcement conditions in “sanctuary” jurisdictions.<ref name="FOXLA_June2025" />


:''“ASSISTANT CHIEF DAVID KIM – U.S. Border Patrol, El Centro Sector.”''
=== FOX 11 Los Angeles reporting (July 2025) ===
FOX 11 Los Angeles later featured Kim in reporting on an arrest operation in downtown Los Angeles, again identifying him as “Assistant Chief David Kim” from U.S. Border Patrol’s El Centro Sector and quoting him on tactics and operational posture.<ref name="FOXLA_July2025">[[https://www.foxla.com/news/border-patrol-arrests-man-anti-ice-t-shirt](https://www.foxla.com/news/border-patrol-arrests-man-anti-ice-t-shirt) Border Patrol arrests man accused of spitting on agent in Los Angeles], FOX 11 Los Angeles, 29 Jul 2025.</ref>


The segment referenced Border Patrol operations targeting people suspected of lacking immigration documents.
=== Statements on enforcement posture and operations beyond the border region ===
In reporting focused on El Centro Sector activity and a lawsuit regarding arrests in Kern County, Kim is quoted describing the operation as a “proof of concept” and as testing capabilities related to operating at greater distance from the sector’s home area.<ref name="inewsource_2025" />


=== Statements on Enforcement Practices ===
== CBP Public Communications ==
Kim has been quoted in multiple news reports discussing the duty of Border Patrol agents to confirm immigration status when encountering individuals suspected of being undocumented. His remarks generally emphasize:


* Agents are federally mandated to request documentation when suspicion exists.
=== Local media releases quoting Kim (selected examples) ===
* Failure to carry proof of immigration status can result in detention.
Kim has been quoted by CBP in multiple El Centro Sector local media releases, generally framing arrests and interdictions as public-safety actions.
* Border Patrol agents "have a duty to enforce the law" under Title 8.


These statements have been cited in coverage of enforcement actions occurring away from the immediate border.
* Quoted by CBP following an arrest described as involving a self-admitted “Sureño” gang member, identified in the release as “Assistant Chief Patrol David Kim.”<ref name="CBP_Sureno2019" />
* Quoted by CBP in a release describing arrests of a previously convicted sex offender and a person described as gang-affiliated; identified in the release as “Assistant Chief Patrol Agent David Kim.”<ref name="CBP_SexOffenderGang2018" />
* Quoted by CBP in a local media release describing a rescue operation by Border Patrol agents; identified as “Assistant Chief Patrol Agent David Kim.”<ref name="CBP_Rescue2019">[[https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/border-patrol-agents-rescue-drowning-man-1](https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/border-patrol-agents-rescue-drowning-man-1) Border Patrol Agents Rescue Drowning Man], CBP, 19 Feb 2019.</ref>


=== CBP Press Releases ===
=== Community engagement (Citizens’ Academy) ===
Kim has been quoted in several CBP-issued statements regarding the arrest of:
Kim is quoted in a CBP local media release concerning an El Centro Sector Citizens’ Academy graduation event, in which he describes the program as an opportunity to engage with the community and explain Border Patrol work.<ref name="CBP_Citizens2015" />
* Individuals with prior deportation orders
* Registered sex offenders re-entering the United States
* Gang-affiliated individuals


His comments typically frame these arrests as necessary to protect public safety, a common messaging theme in CBP communications.
== Additional Public Reporting ==


== Operational Context ==
=== Border Patrol pursuit policy reporting (2019) ===
The El Centro Sector is responsible for a heavily-trafficked portion of the southern border and is often involved in:
Kim is identified as an assistant chief patrol agent for the El Centro sector in investigative reporting on Border Patrol vehicle pursuits, and is quoted discussing how agents weigh risks during pursuits.<ref name="ProPublica_2019">[[https://features.propublica.org/border-crashes/death-injuries-in-high-speed-border-patrol-chases/](https://features.propublica.org/border-crashes/death-injuries-in-high-speed-border-patrol-chases/) Trapped in a Deadly Chase], ProPublica (with reporting published in partnership), 4 Apr 2019.</ref>
* Vehicle interdictions 
* Remote-area apprehensions 
* Joint operations with local agencies 
* Interior arrests linked to ongoing investigations 


Kim's repeated public appearances suggest he is one of the designated spokespeople for the sector’s enforcement posture.
== Evidence and Sources ==


== Evidence and Sources ==
* FOX 11 Los Angeles reporting identifying Kim as “Assistant Chief David Kim” from Border Patrol’s El Centro Sector (June 2025; July 2025).<ref name="FOXLA_June2025" /><ref name="FOXLA_July2025" />
* FOX 11 Los Angeles broadcast screenshot(s).
* CBP local media releases quoting Kim as “Assistant Chief Patrol Agent” / “Assistant Chief Patrol.”<ref name="CBP_Citizens2015" /><ref name="CBP_Sureno2019" /><ref name="CBP_SexOffenderGang2018" /><ref name="CBP_Rescue2019" />
* CBP press releases quoting Kim on arrests and enforcement.
* inewsource reporting quoting Kim regarding operations conducted away from the immediate border region.<ref name="inewsource_2025" />
* Public statements regarding document requirements and enforcement duties.
* ProPublica investigative reporting identifying Kim as an assistant chief patrol agent for El Centro sector and quoting him on pursuit decision-making.<ref name="ProPublica_2019" />


== Notes ==
== Notes ==
''Additional details pending verification, including further operational history, prior assignments, and training background.''
''Additional details pending verification, including prior assignments, training background, and any public records confirming dates of service or promotions.''
 
<references />
[[Category:Agents]]
[[Category:CBP]]
[[Category:Border Patrol]]
[[Category:Agents in California]]

Latest revision as of 00:09, 23 December 2025



David Kim

David Kim

Agency CBP
Role Assistant Chief Border Patrol
Field Office El Centro Sector
State California
Status Active
Verification

Verified

Verification status: Verified



Overview

David Kim is an Assistant Chief Patrol Agent with U.S. Border Patrol’s El Centro Sector in California.[1] In CBP public communications, Kim is repeatedly quoted in his official capacity regarding enforcement activity and operational outcomes in the El Centro Sector area of responsibility.[2][3]

Kim has also been identified by name and title in independent reporting describing El Centro Sector operations conducted away from the immediate border region, including operations described as testing the sector’s ability to operate at greater distance from its home area.[4]

Documented Incidents

This list updates automatically when incident pages link to this agent.




Public Activity and Media Presence

FOX 11 Los Angeles reporting (June 2025)

Kim was interviewed by FOX 11 Los Angeles in a report describing Border Patrol activity in the Los Angeles area in coordination with immigration enforcement operations, in which he is identified as “Assistant Chief David Kim” from Border Patrol’s El Centro Sector.[5] In the same reporting, Kim comments on operational activity in Los Angeles County and describes enforcement conditions in “sanctuary” jurisdictions.[5]

FOX 11 Los Angeles reporting (July 2025)

FOX 11 Los Angeles later featured Kim in reporting on an arrest operation in downtown Los Angeles, again identifying him as “Assistant Chief David Kim” from U.S. Border Patrol’s El Centro Sector and quoting him on tactics and operational posture.[6]

Statements on enforcement posture and operations beyond the border region

In reporting focused on El Centro Sector activity and a lawsuit regarding arrests in Kern County, Kim is quoted describing the operation as a “proof of concept” and as testing capabilities related to operating at greater distance from the sector’s home area.[4]

CBP Public Communications

Local media releases quoting Kim (selected examples)

Kim has been quoted by CBP in multiple El Centro Sector local media releases, generally framing arrests and interdictions as public-safety actions.

  • Quoted by CBP following an arrest described as involving a self-admitted “Sureño” gang member, identified in the release as “Assistant Chief Patrol David Kim.”[2]
  • Quoted by CBP in a release describing arrests of a previously convicted sex offender and a person described as gang-affiliated; identified in the release as “Assistant Chief Patrol Agent David Kim.”[3]
  • Quoted by CBP in a local media release describing a rescue operation by Border Patrol agents; identified as “Assistant Chief Patrol Agent David Kim.”[7]

Community engagement (Citizens’ Academy)

Kim is quoted in a CBP local media release concerning an El Centro Sector Citizens’ Academy graduation event, in which he describes the program as an opportunity to engage with the community and explain Border Patrol work.[1]

Additional Public Reporting

Border Patrol pursuit policy reporting (2019)

Kim is identified as an assistant chief patrol agent for the El Centro sector in investigative reporting on Border Patrol vehicle pursuits, and is quoted discussing how agents weigh risks during pursuits.[8]

Evidence and Sources

  • FOX 11 Los Angeles reporting identifying Kim as “Assistant Chief David Kim” from Border Patrol’s El Centro Sector (June 2025; July 2025).[5][6]
  • CBP local media releases quoting Kim as “Assistant Chief Patrol Agent” / “Assistant Chief Patrol.”[1][2][3][7]
  • inewsource reporting quoting Kim regarding operations conducted away from the immediate border region.[4]
  • ProPublica investigative reporting identifying Kim as an assistant chief patrol agent for El Centro sector and quoting him on pursuit decision-making.[8]

Notes

Additional details pending verification, including prior assignments, training background, and any public records confirming dates of service or promotions.

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 [[1](https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/el-centro-sector-border-patrol-held-citizens-academy-graduation) El Centro Sector Border Patrol Held Citizens’ Academy Graduation], U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), 30 Oct 2015.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 [[2](https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/border-patrol-agents-arrest-sure-o-gang-member-2) Border Patrol Agents Arrest “Sureño” Gang Member], CBP, 11 Feb 2019.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 [[3](https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/border-patrol-arrests-sex-offender-and-known-gang-member) Border Patrol Arrests Sex Offender and Known Gang Member], CBP, 2 Apr 2018.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 [[4](https://inewsource.org/2025/03/14/lawsuit-border-patrol-el-centro-chief-kern-county-operation/) inewsource talked to El Centro’s Border Patrol chief now being sued over Bakersfield arrests. Here’s what he said], inewsource, 14 Mar 2025.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 [[5](https://www.foxla.com/news/border-patrol-ice-los-angeles-immigration-raids) Border Patrol says California, LA 'sanctuary' policies force public patrols], FOX 11 Los Angeles, 18 Jun 2025.
  6. 6.0 6.1 [[6](https://www.foxla.com/news/border-patrol-arrests-man-anti-ice-t-shirt) Border Patrol arrests man accused of spitting on agent in Los Angeles], FOX 11 Los Angeles, 29 Jul 2025.
  7. 7.0 7.1 [[7](https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/border-patrol-agents-rescue-drowning-man-1) Border Patrol Agents Rescue Drowning Man], CBP, 19 Feb 2019.
  8. 8.0 8.1 [[8](https://features.propublica.org/border-crashes/death-injuries-in-high-speed-border-patrol-chases/) Trapped in a Deadly Chase], ProPublica (with reporting published in partnership), 4 Apr 2019.