September 2021 Haitian migrant photo controversy

After multiple earthquakes and hurricanes ravaged their homeland, many Haitians sought and received refugee status in several South American nations. When the Biden Administration relaxed border crossings along the U.S.-Mexican border, upwards of 42,000 Haitians traveled by caravan from Colombia, through Darien Gap into Panama, then northward through Central America, and Mexico to the U.S. border.[1]

At the time, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas publicly advised the Haitians, "Do not come," adding “The border is not open.”[2] In a leaked audio conversation, Mayorkas stated that the immigration crisis had become "unsustainable".[3] As large numbers of Haitian migrants began crossing the border, the Biden Administration threatened to swiftly deport thousands, despite vocal objections from members of the Democratic Party.[4] Eventually, over 15,000 Haitians were living in a migrant camp under the Del Río–Ciudad Acuña International Bridge near Del Rio.[5]

Paul Ratje, a photographer based in Las Cruces, New Mexico, captured images of a horseback-mounted Border Patrol agent trying to control the crowd. The photos created a sensation with many claiming the agent was using a whip on the Haitian migrants. Ratje said “I’ve never seen them whip anyone.” He claimed the agent was merely twirling the horses’ reign. Referring to the rein, Ratje said, “He was swinging it. But I didn’t see him actually take — whip someone with it.” [6][7]

Reaction was immediate. MSNBC commentator Joy Reid Tweeted, “This is beyond repulsive. Are these images from 2021 or 1851??"[8] The BBC compared one of Ratie's photos with a historical drawing of an African slave being pulled with a rope and struck with a whip.[9] "I'm pissed," said Congressional Representative Maxine Waters. "And I'm not just unhappy with the Cowboys who were running down Haitians and using their reins to whip them. I'm unhappy with the administration. We are following the Trump policy."[10]

The administration that a week earlier had been talking about massive deportations changed its tack. “Human beings should never be treated that way,” Vice-president Kamala Harris said. “And I’m deeply troubled about it.” President Biden said the border agents involved would “pay” for their actions. Secretary Mayorkas announced an investigation into the matter, and Biden's press secretary Jen Psaki, said the President “believes that the footage and photos are horrific. They don’t represent who we are as a country. And he was pleased to see the announcement of the investigation.” [4]

Within a month, most of the Haitian migrants were quietly released into the interior of the United States.[11] Reporting on the incident softened, and journalists who researched the topic found that not only the Border Patrol, but many major U.S. cities, use mounted police units. The New York Police Department has used horse-mounted officers since 1858. They assist with parade security, help with crowd-control during demonstrations, and even break up fights among unruly late-night revelers in Times Square. New York's mounted units were the first on the scene in the 2010 Times Square car bombing attempt, and were instrumental in clearing innocent pedestrians from the area.[12]

Six months after the incident, the investigation was said to be ongoing. A DHS spokesperson said the agency “will share the results of the investigation once it is complete and provide updates, as available, consistent with the need to protect the integrity of the investigation and individuals’ privacy.”[13]