Border Patrol Agents Who Chased Haitian Migrants Questioned

By Alyssa Wilson Published: November 18, 2021

Border Patrol Agents Who Chased Haitian Migrants Questioned

U.S. Customs and Border Protection mounted officers attempt to contain migrants as they cross the Rio Grande from Ciudad Acuña, Mexico, into Del Rio, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021. Thousands of Haitian migrants have been arriving to Del Rio, Texas, as authorities attempt to close the border to stop the flow of migrants. (AP Photo/Felix Marquez)

In Summary

Border Patrol agents who were seen chasing Haitian migrants at the U.S-Mexico border faced questioning about the incident as part of an internal investigation.

The U.S. Border Patrol agents who were seen in viral photos and videos grabbing Haitian migrants at the U.S-Mexico border in Texas were questioned as part of an internal investigation.

According to ABC News, U.S. Customs and Border Protection launched the internal review after backlash over the photos showed the violent tactics used against migrants seeking refuge in the United States.

Drone footage shows more than 12,000 migrants, mostly Haitian, at the makeshift camp in Del Rio, Texas https://t.co/FB2yqCvbd2 pic.twitter.com/eq7EfZpGfn
— Reuters (@Reuters) September 20, 2021

In Sep. 2021, thousands of Haitian migrants began camping out in Del Rio, Texas, as they looked for ways to enter the United States, BNC previously reported. Haiti was and still remains riddled with numerous problems, including the assassination of the country’s president in July, followed by a devastating earthquake.

As migrants crossed the border, videos taken by numerous outlets showed border patrol agents on horseback with tools that resemble whips as they chased migrants seeking refuge.

Democratic lawmakers were disappointed and outraged by the images as they hoped for a more humane immigration policy under the administration of President Joe Biden.

We have a moral obligation to lead with compassion.

I’m calling on the Biden Administration to immediately halt the deportations of our Haitian neighbors and work with us to support the Haitian diaspora.

There were babies under the age of 3 on that flight. https://t.co/JGlRJ0h9H6
— Ayanna Pressley (@AyannaPressley) September 17, 2021

At least two border patrol agents involved were placed on administrative duties, according to ABC News. Customs and Border Patrol said the horse patrol unit remains suspended from operating in Del Rio. Biden did not publicly release a statement on the incident but told ABC News there would be consequences.

“It’s outrageous, I promise you, those people will pay,” the president said. “They will be—there is an investigation underway now, and there will be consequences. There will be consequences.” Jen Psaki, White House press secretary, later clarified the president’s comments, saying the White House would wait for a complete investigation.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas also commented and said he was “horrified” by the images.

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