United Nations refugee chief Filippo Grandi on Tuesday added his voice to widespread criticism of the treatment of Haitian migrants at the US-Mexico border who US border patrol agents rounded up on horseback and even whipped, according to photos circulated on social media.
"I was shocked by images of the deplorable conditions beneath the concrete highway overpass in Del Rio, Texas, where more than 14,000 Haitians had gathered after arduous journeys from a number of countries in the Americas," Grandi said in a statement.
More than 6,000 Haitians and other migrants have been removed from the huge, makeshift encampment at the Texas border town of Del Rio, US officials said on Monday, defended their actions.
"The summary, mass expulsions of individuals currently under way.. without screening for protection needs, is inconsistent with international norms and may constitute refoulement," Grandi stated.
"I reiterate UNHCR’s call for the US government immediately and fully to lift its Title 42 (of the US Code) restrictions in effect since March of 2020 which continue to deny most people arriving at the southwest US land border any opportunity to request asylum."
