Joe Biden Says U.S. Border Patrol Officers Seen Harassing Haitian Migrants on Video Was ‘Outrageous’; Says Officers Involved ‘Will Pay’

This past Sunday, video and images were posted online showing officers at the southern border riding on horses and harassing, chasing, and intimidating Haitian migrants. One officer on horseback was seen using a whip on migrants who have been seeking refuge. After the footage hit the headlines, Biden responded, calling the scenes “outrageous” and said those involved would be held accountable.

“I promise you; those people will pay. There will be an investigation underway now, and there will be consequences. There will be consequences,” he said Friday. “It’s an embarrassment, but beyond an embarrassment, it is dangerous. It’s wrong; it sends the wrong message worldwide; it sends the wrong message at home. It’s simply not who we are.”

Biden continued: “I take responsibility. I’m president, but it was horrible what you saw, to see people treated like they did, horses barely running them over, people being strapped. It’s outrageous,” Biden said.

On Thursday, the White House released a statement, saying officers in Del Rio, Texas, will no longer use whips. An investigation has been launched into the incident.