U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents who pursued Haitian migrants on horseback after they had illegally crossed the southern border in Texas relied on “brutal and inappropriate measures,” according to the White House.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki confirmed the border agents captured in photos and video footage last weekend chasing down migrants near Del Rio on horses have been placed on leave, pending a Department of Homeland Security investigation.
INDEPENDENTS WANT ACTION FROM BIDEN ON IMMIGRATION
“This has been an incredibly heart-wrenching issue. We’ve watched the photos of Haitians gathering under a bridge, many with families, and the horrific video of the CBP officers on horses using brutal and inappropriate measures against innocent people,” she told reporters Wednesday.
She added, “We’re not going to stand for that kind of inhumane treatment and, obviously, we want this investigation to be completed rapidly.”
Senate Democratic attempts to forge a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants through Biden’s $3.5 trillion partisan social welfare and climate spending package were squashed last weekend by the parliamentarian, who ruled it could not be considered as part of the budget reconciliation process. Democrats in the chamber are now workshopping other options.
“The president remains committed to putting in place a humane, orderly immigration system,” Psaki said Wednesday.
Photos, first thought to depict a border agent “whipping” a migrant, have triggered outrage from immigration activists and black lawmakers concerned that Haitian migrants are being treated differently than others coming from South America.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Congressional Black Caucus members were at the White House on Wednesday to express their concerns as negotiations over bipartisan criminal justice reform ended. A handful of Democrats will also attend Oval Office meetings on Wednesday as Biden struggles to create consensus behind his $1.2 trillion infrastructure package and the reconciliation measure.
“This is an important moment. We’re in a pivotal period of our negotiations and discussions,” Psaki said. “He sees his role as uniting and bringing people together.”
