Media peddles narrative horseback Border Patrol agents using ‘whips’ on Haitian migrants in Del Rio

Members of the media pushed a narrative that Border Patrol agents were using “whips” on Haitian migrants who’ve gathered at the U.S. southern border in recent days.

A report from the El Paso Times went viral over its dramatic depiction of what was taking place in Del Rio, Texas, where thousands of Haitians have overflowed the region.

“As the Haitians tried to climb onto the U.S. side of the river Sunday afternoon, the agent shouted: ‘Let’s go! Get out now! Back to Mexico!'” the Times wrote Sunday. “The agent swung his whip menacingly, charging his horse toward the men in the river who were trying to return to an encampment under the international bridge in Del Rio after buying food and water in Ciudad Acuña, Mexico. One migrant fell as he tried to dodge, others shielded their heads with their hands.”

The excerpt was shared by PBS NewsHour correspondent Yamiche Alcindor.

From @elpasotimes: As the Haitians tried to climb onto the U.S. side of the river Sunday afternoon, a border agent shouted: “Let’s go! Get out now! Back to Mexico!”

The agent swung his whip menacingly, charging his horse toward the men in the river.https://t.co/DejaoSQKwI

— Yamiche Alcindor (@Yamiche) September 20, 2021

One Border Patrol agent slammed the viral tweet, telling Fox News, “We do not carry whips and the only thing I see in their hands is reins.”

The agent added, “BP does an excellent job when it comes to use of force training. There is no way a horse patrol unit would be whipping aliens. Whips are not issued or authorized for use.”

The El Paso Times did not immediately respond to Fox News’ request for comment. – READ MORE