The White House has said it is looking into the border patrol tactics
US Border Patrol agents have been seen appearing to use horse reins as whips as they try to push back Haitian immigrants attempting to cross the border.
In images that surfaced this week, Border Patrol agents on horseback can be seen trying to deal with the chaotic situation on the US-Mexico border. TMZ reports that thousands of Haitians have been making their way across the Rio Grande river to try and cross into the United States.
Some of the agents were pictured swinging what appear to be reins at those crossing the river. Whilst the images and footage doesn’t seem to show them making contact with any of those trying to cross, it has attracted widespread condemnation, with the White House saying it will be investigating the claims.
In a tweet, the images were described as “unfathomable cruelty towards people fleeing disaster and political ruin.”
https://twitter.com/SawyerHackett/status/1439989195871825921
During a press conference on Monday, the White House press secretary Jen Psaki was asked about the scenes. She said that they had been made aware of the footage but needed more information and time to make an assessment.
Haiti, which is the poorest nation in the western hemisphere, has seen months of political turmoil and natural disaster. On July 7, the country’s president was assassinated at his private residence and last month Haiti was hit by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake, killing at least 2,200 people.
Related links:
- 7.2 magnitude earthquake causes “several deaths and enormous damage” in Haiti
- Haitian PM asked to testify in President’s assassination hearing
- US man arrested over assassination of Haitian president
