20 SEP 2021

Treatment of Haitian Refugees is Unacceptable, Biden Administration Must Investigate and Hold CBP Accountable

Border Patrol’s Actions are Reminiscent of America’s Darkest Moments in History

Washington, DC — In response to the latest developments in Del Rio, Texas, the Immigration Hub’s Executive Director, Sergio Gonzales, issued the following statement:

“The treatment of Haitian migrants at the southern border is unacceptable. Full stop. The actions of Customs and Border Patrol should be fully investigated and held accountable. As a nation that aspires to live up to the principles of freedom and justice, this federal agency’s reprehensible approach flies in the face of our American values and exemplifies a broken immigration system grounded in racism and cruel enforcement.

“Both the rhetoric we’ve heard today and images we’ve seen from the border have no place in the Biden-Harris administration’s vision for a modern, fair immigration system. Our words to children and families watching across Haiti and the world should not be a message of deterrence, but rather of hope, of solutions and our ability to do better by those seeking safety and refuge. 

“Haitian children and families are at our doorstep as a result of a tragic humanitarian crisis that demands our compassion. It is the devastating effect of a series of crises that have recently slammed an already suffering Haiti, including the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, continuing food insecurity, and the recent 7.2 magnitude earthquake that wiped out schools and entire neighborhoods. Half of those impacted by the earthquake have yet to receive humanitarian aid. Haitians who have arrived at Del Rio are refugees and should be treated as such. 

“We urge President Biden and Sec. Mayorkas to provide Haitian migrants with humanitarian assistance, ensure they are fairly processed, and offer refuge to those seeking asylum. Do not deport them. Do not use Title 42 to unjustifiably expel them. Now more than ever, the Biden administration must act aggressively and immediately to deploy humanitarian assistance and systems and staff to process refugees safely and humanely in an orderly and fair manner. 

“Today we stand in solidarity with Black immigrant communities and families, who know all too well the injustice and pain caused by our broken immigration system.” 

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The Immigration Hub is a national organization dedicated to advancing fair and just immigration policies through strategic leadership, innovative communications strategies, legislative advocacy and collaborative partnerships.