The Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, told reporters with Fox News’ Chris Wallace that the bulk of the Haitian immigrants who arrived at the border over the past few weeks have already been “released” and that thousands more may follow. “So far, approximately 12,400 of the people are having their cases heard by immigration judges, while another 5,000 are being processed by the Department of Homeland Security. Currently, only 3,000 are in detention.”
In the interview Chris Wallace asked why nearly thirty thousand immigrants weren’t stopped from entering the United States. He also asked Mayorkas why there isn’t a physical barrier. Mayorkas only replied that they (he and the Biden administration) tried to give back-up to the border patrol and other fixes that only took place after. When it came to why there isn’t a boarder he tried to deflect by talking about what they had done again, but Wallace pressed him and Mayorkas responded; “We do not agree with the building of the wall,” Mayorkas said. “The law provides that individuals can make a claim for humanitarian relief. That is actually one of our proudest traditions”
Meanwhile, news outlets across both sides of the aisle reported on what looked to be border patrol agents “whipping” the Haitian immigrants as they tried to cross the border illegally. The New York Post reported that in fact, the agents were seen trying to deter the men and women from getting too close to their horses with the horse leads. They also report on the White House’s reaction to their agents and the behavior that was witnessed in the photos and video. Biden stated the agents would “pay” and Psaki told journalists they did not condone the behavior.
The images, while disturbing were even claimed to be misleading by the man who took some of the pictures himself, Paul Ratje. He stated of one of the agents who can be seen using the horse leads and reigns, “He was swinging it, but it can be misconstrued when you’re looking at the picture” and “I’ve never seen them whip anyone.”
Of course many questioned whether or not the White House would change it’s mind about investigating the border patrol agents who were seen in the photos once the clarification was made, but Psaki responded, “I don’t think anyone could look at those photos and think that was appropriate action or behavior or something that should be accepted within our administration,” she told reporters. “There’s an investigation that’s ongoing. We’ll let that play out, but our reaction to the photos has not changed.”
Governor Greg Abbot was mortified to learn that the Biden Administration was investigating the agents and that said agents might even be fired or receive other punishments. Governor Abbott will hire the men and women himself if they are fired and that they can come and defend the border for his own state, Texas.
Abbott on Biden’s investigation into Border Patrol agents: “I want them to know something. If they are risk of losing their job by a president who is abandoning his duty to secure the border, you have a job in the state of Texas. I will hire you to help Texas secure our border.” pic.twitter.com/gzVtv5iKgt
— Jason Rantz on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) September 26, 2021
In the video above, Greg Abbott defends the officers and makes a few clarifying statements for Chris Wallace from his interview on Fox News Sunday.
“First, they wouldn’t have been in that situation had the Biden administration enforced the immigration laws and secured the border in the first place,” Abbott said. “Second, as you know, Chris, the person who took those pictures said that the characterization that the Democrats have made about the Border Patrol using them as whips, whipping people, coming across the border is false. They were simply maneuvering horses.”
“But the last thing I will tell you is what the President said going after the Border Patrol, who were risking their lives and working so hard to try to secure the border, if he takes any action against them whatsoever, I have worked side by side with those Border Patrol agents,” Abbott continued. “I want them to know something, if they are at risk of losing their job, got a president who is abandoning his duty to secure the border, you have a job in the state of Texas. I will hire you to help Texas secure our border.”