Vice President Harris, during her time as senator and vice president, has stirred controversy with Homeland Security agencies, likening one to the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), and perpetuating a now-debunked narrative about Border Patrol agents on horseback allegedly whipping migrants.
ICE and KKK
During a confirmation hearing in November 2018, then-Senator Harris questioned Ronald Vitiello, former President Trump’s nominee for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), about whether he was “aware of the perception” that ICE and the KKK were similar.
Harris referenced a tweet from Vitiello dating back to 2015, in which he described the Democratic Party as akin to a “neo-Klanist” group. Vitiello later apologized, acknowledging the offensive nature of his statement.
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Vice President Harris (Leigh Vogel/Abaca/Bloomberg via Getty Images/File)
“What is the context that would make those words inappropriate?” Harris inquired, to which Vitiello responded that the KKK would be described as a domestic terrorist group today, motivated by race and ethnicity and utilizing “fear and force.”
“Are you aware of the perception that the power and discretion at ICE are being wielded in a way that draws parallels?” she further queried.
Vitiello countered, asserting, “I do not see any parallels” between ICE and the white supremacist organization, asking if she was implying they were similar.
“No, I’m being very specific about my inquiry. Are you cognizant of the perception that they …,” Harris began again before Vitiello stated, “I see none.”
“Are you aware that there is a perception that ICE is exercising its authority in a manner that instills fear and intimidation, especially within immigrant communities, and particularly among those from Mexico and Central America?” she pressed further.
Harris concluded her questioning by asking if Vitiello could effectively lead the agency if he was unaware of the unfavorable opinions towards it.
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“Sir, how can you assume leadership of an agency while being oblivious to how it is perceived by some communities?” she challenged.
This prompted backlash at the time, with Republican critics accusing her of making the comparison for political gain.
“Kamala Harris is attempting to launch her 2020 campaign by equating ICE officers with the KKK, and it’s truly appalling,” tweeted then-Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel.
Border Patrol agents on horseback
Years later, in 2021, Harris sparked outrage among Border Patrol agents when she contributed to a narrative regarding agents on horseback interacting with migrants during the Haitian migrant influx in Del Rio, Texas.
Based on visuals of agents using their reins to control their horses, some Democrats, including President Biden, alleged that agents were whipping migrants. Although Harris did not explicitly mention whipping, she did increase scrutiny on the agents.
“What I observed depicted about those individuals on horseback treating people inhumanely was appalling,” Harris told reporters. “I fully support the ongoing thorough investigation into the situation. Human beings should never be treated that way, and I am deeply troubled by it. I will also be discussing this with [Homeland Security] Secretary [Alejandro] Mayorkas today.”
Her comments aligned with Biden’s declarations that “they will pay.” A few days later, Harris remarked that the images reminded her of slavery.
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Customs and Border Protection mounted officers attempt to contain migrants as they cross the Rio Grande from Ciudad Acuña, Mexico, into Del Rio, Texas, on Sept. 19, 2021.
(AP Photo/Felix Marquez)
“Human beings must not be treated in this manner,” Harris stated on “The View.” “It brings to mind some of the darkest chapters of our history when such actions were directed at Indigenous peoples and African Americans during slavery.”
A following investigation criticized the agents for minor infractions but determined that the claims of whipping migrants were unfounded. Mayorkas, who had previously condemned the agents, later went on to defend them when a reporter referenced the incident.
“Let me clarify, because the investigation concluded that no whipping took place,” he asserted.
The statements from Harris also incited anger from Border Patrol agents, who shared their sentiments with Fox News.
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“It is evident that those in leadership positions, a term that is offensive to use, lack understanding of our operations and are guided by ignorance and unfounded emotions,” commented one agent.
Nonetheless, Harris has remained steadfast in her comments on both incidents.
“Donald Trump’s only strategy to secure our border involves tearing children from their mothers and presenting a few xenophobic signs at the Republican National Convention,” stated Harris campaign spokesperson Kevin Munoz in a Monday statement. “He sabotaged the bipartisan border security agreement because, for Donald Trump, this issue has never been about solutions, only about exploiting problems. With everything concerning Donald Trump, it’s never about aiding the nation, but rather about advancing his own interests. Only one candidate in this race is committed to advocating for bipartisan solutions to bolster border security, and that is Vice President Harris.”
Immigration is poised to be a significant focus for Harris should she run for president, given the current circumstances at the border. In 2021, she was designated as the lead for international diplomacy to address the migration crisis, earning her the nickname “border czar” by Republican factions and media outlets. Her campaign asserts that, if elected, she will champion solutions to enhance border security and has criticized calls for mass deportations made at the recent GOP convention.
