DHS Launches Investigation Following Footage of US Border Agents on Horseback Chasing Migrants
The Department of Homeland Security is responding to footage of Customs and Border Patrol agents chasing down Haitian migrants at the U.S. southern border, announcing the agency is opening an investigation into the…
The Department of Homeland Security is responding to footage of Customs and Border Patrol agents chasing down Haitian migrants at the U.S. southern border, announcing the agency is opening an investigation into the matter.
In a video posted to Twitter by CBS News, agents can be seen chasing down migrants on horseback and seemingly swinging ropes at them.
Watch the video below:
The department took to Twitter on Monday to respond to the footage, saying, “DHS does not tolerate the abuse of migrants in our custody and we take these allegations very seriously.”
The statement continued, “ Office of Professional Responsibility is investigating the matter and has alerted the DHS Office of Inspector General.”
Additionally, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas “has directed that personnel from the Office of Professional Responsibility be on site full-time to ensure that the responsibilities of DHS personnel are executed consistent with applicable policies and training and the Department’s values.”
According to the agency, Mayorkas also visited Del Rio on Monday “and witnessed the extraordinary work of DHS personnel.”
Calling the footage “extremely troubling,” the statement added, “The facts learned from the full investigation, which will be conducted swiftly, will define the appropriate disciplinary actions to be taken.”
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki weighed in on the footage during a White House press briefing on Monday.
“We just saw this footage. It’s horrible to watch. I just have to get more information on it,” Psaki said.
Watch her comments below:
She continued, “I can’t imagine what the scenario is where that would be appropriate. I’m certainly not suggesting that but we’ve just seen the footage earlier this morning.”
The White House press secretary appeared on CBS News on Tuesday where she explained this is “not who the Biden-Harris administration is” and they will “absolutely pursue that investigation.”