Agents call for Holder's resignation

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WASHINGTON, June 19 (UPI) -- An organization representing Border Patrol agents has called for the resignation of U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder due to "Operation Fast and Furious."

The controversial operation, which allowed more than 2,000 firearms purchased in the United States over the border into Mexico, was aimed at catching high-level arms dealers who were selling to drug cartels.

However, the National Border Patrol Council along with some Republican officials say the operation is responsible for at least two deaths. Holder allegedly has been reluctant to turn over documents related to the operation, a move the council called "a slap in the face to all Border Patrol agents who serve this country," The El Paso Times reported.

Holder has refused to step down, but has offered to turn over more documents to investigators.

"Operation Fast and Furious" began in 2009 in Arizona. It ended last year after Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry was found dead with two AK-17's tied to the operation found near his body. Weapons used in the operation have also been linked to the kidnapping and death of a Chihuahua City lawyer.

"Operation Wide Receiver," a similar effort carried out in 2006-2007 under the Bush administration, did not result in any high-profile arrests.