Texas Border Patrol Unit Criticized by Biden Honored During Trump Inauguration
Horse Patrol mistakenly accused of "strapping" Haitian migrants with their reins assigned key ceremonial role.

A Border Patrol Unit vilified by President Biden after confrontations with mobs of Haitians illegally crossing the Rio Grande into Texas in 2021 will occupy a place of honor in President-elect Trump's Inaugural Day Parade.
Mounted Agents from the Border Patrol's Del Rio Sector were strongly criticized after photos of them pursuing the Haitians caused many - including President Biden - to wrongly believe the split reins intended to control the horses were instead used as whips against the migrants.

President Biden called the images “horrible” and “outrageous," and called for the Border Patrol Agents to face severe punishment:
“I promise you, those people will pay. There is an investigation underway right now and there will be consequences ... It's an embarrassment ... it is dangerous. It’s wrong, it sends the wrong message around the world, it sends the wrong message at home. It's simply not who we are ... I take responsibility. I'm President, but it was horrible what you saw, to see people treated like they did, horses barely running them over, people being strapped. It's outrageous.” -President Joe Biden (Sept. 21, 2021)
The Department of Homeland Security temporarily suspended the horse patrols throughout the Del Rio Sector because of the outcry. An investigation later confirmed no Haitians were "strapped" as President Biden claimed.

Still, some agents were disciplined for violating policies (including one that prohibited migrants who had reached U.S. soil from being forced back into the Rio Grande). Agents were struggling to contain crowds of Haitians numbering more than 15,000 at the time.
Since then the horse patrols in the Del Rio Sector have resumed.

Although President Biden vilified the Horse Patrols, President-Elect Trump is giving them a place of honor in the 60th Presidential Inaugural Parade on January 20, 2025. US Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens will lead the mounted patrol officers - which, according to NewsNation's Ali Bradley, will include members from the Del Rio Sector which was singled out for criticism following the Haitian encounters.
(Due to inclement weather the parade has been moved indoors to the Capitol One Arena which will also host 20,000 people who will watch a video feed of Trump's inauguration).
Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens says his agency will be heavily represented in the Inaugural Parade by the following units:

• Horse Patrol Agents: Led by Chiefs Owens and Padilla, showcasing the rich tradition of Horse Patrol across sectors.
• Detroit Special Operations: Driving a BORTAC Bearcat alongside K9 Yoda, the hero who helped capture a notorious prison escapee in 2023.
• USBP Recruiters: Showcasing our commitment to building the future workforce.
• Pipes and Drums Members: Joining the CBP team to honor our heritage through music.
• Honor Guard Members: Presenting the Colors with pride and precision.
What are your thoughts about the Border Patrol being featured in Trump's Inaugural Parade?
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Abrazos,
Jack Beavers