Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday criticized President Biden for calling the federal government’s “despicable” treatment of U.S. Border Patrol officers accused of using the reins of their horses to whip up Haitian migrants. and said it would be “honorable” to have them. working for Lone Star State.
During a press conference at the Anzalduas International Bridge between the United States and Mexico, Abbott defended the agents after a recent report said that the Department of Homeland Security was willing to discipline them for the infamous incident of the ‘last year.
“It is despicable that these Border Patrol officers, who were riding these horses, who were using kingdoms to control them, have been completely exonerated by all law enforcement agencies, and yet the Biden administration still seems to be is determined to punish these Border Patrol officers, “he said.
Border Patrol agents were accused of using the reins of their horses to whip up Haitian immigrants on September 19th. AFP via Getty Images
“As governor, I would be more than happy; I am honored that these border patrol officers are part of the Texas team to secure the border.”
Fox News reported Wednesday that DHS officials were preparing proposals to beat the officers, who have been acquitted of criminal offenses, with “administrative offenses,” citing a federal source familiar with the matter.
Biden has promised that officers will “pay” after photos appear to show them moving their horse’s reins as they try to prevent Haitian migrants from crossing the Rio Grande on September 19, although a photographer who documented the incident to say that the images were “misinterpreted.” ”
“It would be honorable for these border patrol officers to be part of the Texas team to secure the border,” said Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. (Kevin C. Downs for The New York
Brandon Judd, chairman of the Border Patrol agents’ union, told The Post on Thursday that the proposed discipline “can range from a letter of reprimand to dismissal,” but added: “I’ve heard that there are no casualties “.
Abbott also criticized Biden for the recent revelation that 50 people on the terror watch list have been trapped crossing the southern border since October.
Abbott described the increase in the number of potential terrorists entering the country illegally as “one of the most reprehensible things the Biden administration is doing,” but said he was even more concerned about “all those who are they escaped the list of terrorists. “
President Biden promised that Border Patrol officers would “pay” for his actions. AP
“If you’re on the terrorism checklist, you’re going to spend more money on cartels trying to avoid being caught,” he said.
“So that means there’s a good chance there are a lot of people on the terror watch list who have been, who have come to the United States.”
Abbott added: “The president of the United States is failing in his most fundamental duty, and that is to keep our nation safe.”
The latest figures from US Customs and Border Protection show that 15 people on the terrorism watch list were captured crossing the southern border in May.
This brought the number of potential terrorists detained during fiscal year 2002, from October 2021 to September, to 50, more than the total of 30 captured crossing the southern and northern borders during the previous five fiscal years.
Abbott also said leaders of the Texas National Guard and the state Department of Homeland Security informed him prior to his appearance amid a month-long effort to prepare for the arrival of Texas National Guard. caravans of migrants heading to the border.
“Some evidence makes it look like the caravans are falling apart to some extent,” he said.
“Partly it may be due to lack of resources, partly it may be due to the weather, partly it may be due to other conditions.”
But Abbott warned that “even if the caravans break, that doesn’t mean the people who were part of the caravans won’t try to get to the United States of America.”
“It’s just that they can be doing one and two, unlike big caravans.”