Brief:

Last year, President Biden accused Border Patrol agents of whipping migrants trying to cross into the U.S from Mexico.  DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas backed him up, but according to the latest reports, Mayorkas knew at that time it was false.

Background:

In September 2021, images were released which Democrats claimed to show US Border Patrol Agents whipping migrants attempting to cross the border. The photos were taken by photographer Lensman Paul Ratje. Ratje has repeatedly said the “whips” in question were bridge reins used by most western-style horsemen and that no abuse occurred.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas was informed that there was no evidence Border Patrol agents had “whipped” or “strapped” Haitian migrants at the US-Mexico border. He initially defended his agents, stating that no migrants had been harmed, and confirmed it was simply split reins seen in the images.

Five days later, the president said, “To see people treated like they did, horses barely running over, people being strapped — it’s outrageous.”

Mayorkas backed the president’s statements, saying, “Our nation saw horrifying images that do not reflect who we are. We know that those images painfully conjured up the worst elements of our nation’s ongoing battle against systemic racism.” Mayorkas did not correct the administration’s statement.

Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) said, “Alejandro Mayorkas defamed his own employees in order to score political points. He has violated his oath of office and lied to the American people with a straight face. His career should be over.”