Homeland Security investigates images of Haitian migrants at the border



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Images and videos of U.S. Border Patrol officers on horseback seizing and chasing Haitian migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border prompted the Department of Homeland Security to open an investigation into the case, the agency said on Twitter. .

On Monday, DHS said in a Tweeter that he has examined the footage coming out of the border and takes allegations of abuse against migrants “very seriously”.

“The footage is extremely disturbing and the facts from the full investigation, which will be conducted expeditiously, will define the appropriate disciplinary action to be taken,” DHS said.

The Professional Accountability Office will lead the investigation and also deploy staff to the border, where thousands of Haitians have flocked to the town of Del Rio, Texas in recent days, living in a temporary camp and hoping to claim the asylum in the United States.

The investigation’s announcement follows the publication of scenes along the Rio Grande depicting what appear to be mounted border patrol agents chasing, grabbing and intimidating migrants, using their horses to physically prevent them from crossing. further into the United States. In a video recorded by Al Jazeera English, an agent can be heard using an expletive as he uses his horse to block and direct the migrants to the river.

Jen Psaki, White House press secretary, called the footage “horrific.”

Speaking from Del Rio, Alejandro N. Mayorkas, the secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security, warned Haitians attempting to enter the United States, saying protection has been extended for those who have arrived before July 29. This protection does not extend to newcomers.

“We are very concerned that Haitians who use this irregular migration route are receiving false information that the border is open or that temporary protection status is available,” he said in a statement. press conference. “I want to make sure people know this is not the way to come to America.”



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