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City Heights woman claims Border Patrol agent followed her home, harassed her

Posted at 6:32 AM, Aug 12, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-12 10:46:53-04
SAN DIEGO -- A City Heights woman says a Border Patrol Agent harassed her on her way home from work Sunday morning.
 
On Aug. 7, Lakesha Sexton claims, an agent banged on her car window as she came to a stop on her street. Sexton says even accused her of lying about where she lives.
 
"The fact that he jumps out of his vehicle and he has his hand on his holster like he was going to grab his weapon was very terrifying for me because I'm a domestic violence survivor," Sexton said.
 
She says the agent never gave her an explanation. 
 
"I said to him, ‘why are you pulling me over?’ He says 'this is what we do.’"
 
The agent followed her from Interstate 805 to El Cajon Boulevard as she drove home from a retirement home in Point Loma where she cares for veterans. 
 
"You're treating me like you now I'm nobody and I'm a resident in this community and have been for over 18 years,” Sexton said. 
 
"This is where I live, this is where I raised my children and in a second that could have been taken away from me.”
 
During the ordeal, Lakesha called 911 was sent to the non-emergency line and put on hold.
 
"The thing that began to just constantly play in my mind was how many people have been killed being cooperative, but here's an individual abusing their power because they can," she said.
 
The incident came to an end when Lakesha's brother came outside in response to the commotion and the agent left.
 
Lakesha said the situation prompted her to have a discussion with her two daughters about staying calm when approached by law enforcement. She hopes other parents will do the same.
 
Border Patrol is investigating Lakesha's complaint. They sent 10News this statement:
"The U.S. Border Patrol has received the complaint from Ms. Sexton and is conducting an internal investigation. U.S. Customs and Border Protection takes all complaints very seriously and its personnel are expected to conduct their duties with the highest level of professionalism.  This case will be thoroughly investigated to determine if any action involving misconduct has taken place and the matter will ultimately be resolved."