ATLANTA – State Representatives Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain), Rhonda Burnough (D-Burnough), Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta) and Sandra Scott (D-Rex) today issued statements regarding the recent news reports of U.S. border patrol agents allegedly using horse reins as whips on Haitian migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border.
“Border patrol agents on horseback using horse reins as whips and/or children being placed in cages are acts that must be condemned,” said Rep. Davis. “We must stand on a moral ground to demonstrate a level of decency, empathy and respect for migrants, immigrants, refugees and others seeking help. As a veteran and state representative, I must voice my disgust in viewing such behavior and demand a change in policy and training, especially when dealing with human beings. I live in an area in DeKalb County that is close to Clarkston and has a large population of immigrants and refugees. To watch these videos on television of the treatment of Haitian migrants was shocking and unbelievable. What century are we living in to tolerate such behavior? This is not ‘Django Unchained.’ We must make every effort to ensure that bad, deplorable behaviors are not systemic and engrained in the policy, training and execution of law enforcement. There is a job to be done. However, there is no excuse for behavior that dehumanizes people.”
“There is no excuse for the mistreatment of the Haitian refugees by border patrol agents in Texas,” said Rep. Burnough. “These individuals are victims of storms, violence and deplorable living conditions. They did not want to leave their country. They came here because America offers hope for a better life. What kind of individuals would mistreat people at their lowest point?”
“The media is calling the images ‘horrific,’” said Rep. Scott. “No, this is human rights abuse at its best. These acts are cruel, evil, hateful and inhumane. Having no regard for human life is surely a violation of law. These refugees should be treated and welcomed like the thousands of Afghanis were welcomed a week ago. I am calling on the U.S. Congress to take actions immediately to correct these brutal and inhumane acts at the border. These border patrol agents must be held accountable for their actions. They beat us, shoot us in the back and are now running us down on horses with a whip. This must stop. Congress must act now.”
“There is an intentional devaluing of human lives and the return to oppressive control that was evidenced by the use of horse reins to threaten Haitian migrants,” said Rep. Schofield. “The image of fleeing Black men and children chased by white officers on horseback echoes the historical injustices suffered by Black people in the United States. This is disgusting. I am beyond outraged. We need swift action and justice to be taken. No excuses. No delays. Where are the humanitarian needs for human beings?”
Representative Rhonda Burnough represents the citizens of District 77, which includes portions of Clayton County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and currently serves on the Special Committee on Election Integrity and the Economic Development & Tourism, Governmental Affairs, Higher Education and Small Business Development committees.
Representative Viola Davis represents the citizens of District 87, which includes portions of DeKalb County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves on the Natural Resources & Environment, Insurance, Interstate Cooperation and Science and Technology committees.
Representative Kim Schofield represents the citizens of District 60, which includes portions of Clayton and Fulton counties. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2017 and currently serves on the Health & Human Services, Interstate Cooperation, Information and Audits and Small Business Development committees.
Representative Sandra Scott represents the citizens of District 76, which includes portions of Clayton and Henry counties. She was first elected to the House Representatives in 2010 and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Human Relations & Aging, Legislative & Congressional Reapportionment, Science and Technology and Special Rules committees.
###