Border Agents, Accused Of Whipping, Cleared

Paul Ratje/AFP via Getty Images

An investigation into reports of Border Patrol agents in Texas, whipping Haitian migrants, has reportedly been concluded and no charges are being filed, 1200 WOAI news reports.

The incident happened roughly six months ago in Del Rio, Texas, which is Congressman Tony Gonzales's district.

"That case was dismissed. There were no charges that were brought at all," Gonzales tells 1200 WOAI News in an exclusive interview.

Photos of the incident sparked a firestorm of controversy. It was taken as asylum seekers gathered underneath an international bridge along the Texas border with Mexico. At the peak, more than 10,000 migrants showed up. As the situation deteriorated, agents were sent out on horseback, to stop them from crossing.

At the time, President Joe Biden said the photo was outrageous

"There will be an investigation underway now and there will be consequences. There will be consequences," Biden said at the time.

That sentiment was echoed by Vice President and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who said that the images "troubled me profoundly."

Mayorkas went on to ban the use of horseback patrols in Del Rio, and the agents were shifted to desk duty.

Now that the agents have reportedly been cleared of any wrongdoing, Congressman Gonzales blasted the administration for sweeping the investigation under the rug.

"That's the exact problem with this administration," he says. "They're not transparent in how they do anything."


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