Political Misinformation - Border Immigration
“Reports of the mistreatment of Haitian migrants fleeing violence and devastation from natural disasters are deeply troubling, including the inappropriate use of what appear to be whips by Border Patrol officers on horseback to intimidate migrants.
A CBS article Titled, 'Treating those Immigrants Like Dogs': North Miami Mayor Sickened By Images Of Border Patrol Agents Using Whips To Corral Haitian Immigrants" correlated with Pelosi on border patrol agents on horseback utilizing whips in "attempt to wrangle migrants in Del Rio, Texas (CBS).
Above are two photographs, the first one is the photograph used to create or fuel this accusation. The second photograph demonstrates the same border patrol agent reaching for the man, not utilizing a whip, but rather the reins are seen to be the alleged "whip". From a left and right leaning perspective, I would agree with the right leaning stance. Left leaning articles are saying that border patrol agents used whips while right leaning are saying no, "whips" were not used neither were the reins utilized to strike the migrants. This accusation has resulted in a temporary desk job for the individuals present at said day and photographs. In my opinion, politcal officials such as Pelosi should have a more adequate "verdict" or information before publishing misinformation.
Pelosi Statement on Reports of Mistreatment of Haitian Migrants at the Border | Speaker Nancy Pelosi
Nice article. I know that it's been known that some border patrol agents like to get really aggressive and violent with those trying to flee their country so I guess from a general perspective this kind of behavior is expected. I personally don't think they would go as far as using whips on people to get them in order for the fact that it seems really extreme to do so. Given the history of whips in the United States, I just refuse to believe that somebody working under law enforcement would use them. I think that with this situation, it's the same thing of one side, either left or right, not taking in the context of the full story so they can bash the other.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Cases like these are hard, because we do know that boarder patrol can be aggressive. However, we are not there to really know what is going on. For the most part, I have only seen these still photographs from the 'boarder crisis,' and I can see how they can be used to fabricate the story. I agree with you that boarder patrol agents are not whipping immigrants. Personally, I do see how the agents could efficiently use bullwhips in this case. From the first photo, it looks like a leather horse reins. I can see where this can get more muddy. I have seen one video of an agent swinging the reins in front of migrants; however, there was no contact that was made in the video. I find it interesting how this story has taken off. One comment about a whip coupled with your first picture and this story is all over the place. While Nancy Pelosi seems to be a big critic of this boarder control, do we think she is going to try to get legislature in motion to prevent such heinous acts, or did she just help strike controversy about the boarded control?
ReplyDeleteThank you for providing that second photo. That should clear up a lot of controversy. It's important for politicians to hold their comments on situations like this that are so unclear. I am also deeply saddened for the Haitians seeking asylum here. They are just trying to achieve a better life, and politicians shouldn't be exploiting this or using the situation for political gain. Great post.
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