Texas Migrant Mistreatment Along US-Mexico Border Being Looked Into By DOJ

The Department of Justice said it will be looking into the disturbing Texas migrant mistreatment claims by a state trooper.

The mistreated migrants were reportedly exhausted after crossing the Rio Grande along the US-Mexico border, but the troopers were ordered to push them back to the water. The Texas trooper also admitted that he was also ordered not to give the immigrants any water despite the sweltering Texas heat.

The DOJ called these reports "troubling." This is the first time that the department has acknowledged that they are now assessing the situation, but they are not yet opening an investigation into the matter. However, this assessment could be the first step to launching an investigation.

"The department is aware of the troubling reports, and we are working with DHS and other relevant agencies to assess the situation," DOJ spokeswoman Xochitl Hinojosa recently told CNN in an interview.

The reported Texas migrant mistreatment has placed Governor Greg Abbott's "Operation Lone Star" under further scrutiny as the governor enacts stricter measures to prevent migrants from crossing over, including low-lying barbed wire and floating buoys with barbed wire to prevent Rio Grande crossings.

More reports from frontline personnel from the Texas Department of Public Safety have surfaced, all alleging the mistreatment of migrants who were caught trying to cross into the US. However, top Texas officials, including Abbott himself, stated that they did not give any directions that "would compromise the lives of those attempting to cross the border illegally."

On Wednesday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called the Texas governor's recent actions under "Operation Lone Star" a "political stunt" and "shameful" after responding to a question regarding Mexico's diplomatic complaint about Abbott's barbed wire-laced floating barriers.

Republicans and Democrats React to Texas Migrant Mistreatment Along US-Mexico Border

The reports of migrants being mistreated along the US-Mexico border as a result of Abbott's policies have sparked outcries from other politicians, especially among Democrats.

"This is barbaric and inhumane, and simply it's evil," said Texas Rep. Sylvia Garcia.

Other Democrats agreed, according to KSAT-12.

Democratic Rep. Marc Veasey of Texas also chimed in, saying, "It has nothing to do with border security, this border insanity."

Meanwhile, Rep. Lloyd Doggett said this represented a "new despicable low" for the Texas administration.

Abbott also got criticized by a fellow Republican, Tony Gonzales, who released a statement saying, "Border security should not equal a lack of humanity. As a father of six, I find it disturbing for anyone, much less a child, to be deprived of water in 100-degree weather, regardless of their immigration status."

Gonzalles added, "We are a nation of laws, which means illegal immigration should absolutely be deterred. I applaud our law enforcement officers on the front lines for working so hard to that end."

Mexico President Also Reacts to Migrant Mistreatment Along US-Mexico Border

The Mexican government is currently at odds with Texas over the floating barriers along the Rio Grande. With the news of the migrant mistreatment, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador blasted Texas and called the act of denying water to thirsty migrants "inhumane," according to Texas Public Radio.

"We're going to keep defending our citizens and the general mistreatment of immigrants," said AMLO.

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: United States Press Secretary comments on allegations of migrant mistreatment along Texas Border - KSAT-12