While many people were appalled when photos of border patrol officials whipping Haitian detainees surfaced, Texas Governor Greg Abbott felt compelled to hire those same officers. He told @foxnews earlier this week, “You have a job in the state of Texas.” I’m going to hire you to assist Texas in securing our border.” He went on to argue that the photos showed the agents manipulating horses rather than lashing individuals. “The guy who took those photos stated that the Democrats’ claim that the Border Patrol used them as whips to whip those crossing the border is incorrect. “All they were doing was manoeuvring horses,” Abbott explained.
This follows the White House’s statement that the suspected use of the whips is “unacceptable.” Images of Border Patrol agents on horseback seeming to use whips on migrants returning from Mexico after purchasing food surfaced Monday, according to Reuters. The photographs, taken by journalist Paul Ratje, are improper and inappropriate, according to the White House. “I’ve seen some of the video. I don’t have all of the details. Jen Psaki, a White House spokeswoman, told reporters, “I can’t understand what context would make that appropriate.” “I don’t believe anyone who saw that footage thought it was suitable or appropriate.”
Psaki also described the incident’s video as “awful to watch,” but said that “we just have to acquire more information on that” before she could speak further. “Of course they should never be able to do it again,” Psaki replied when asked if the agent should be fired. When challenged about the photo, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas stated the reporter who asked about the whip was “assume the facts,” implying the agent was carrying a lengthy rein.
