Smugglers who were filmed dropping sisters aged three and five over the border wall have been dubbed “morally reprehensible” by the White House.
The young girls were dropped from the 14ft-high barrier along the US-Mexico border in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, and the shocking incident was caught on security camera video.
“I have seen the video, and I think that any of us who saw the video were incredibly alarmed by the steps of smugglers,” said White House press secretary Jen Psaki on Wednesday.
Authorities were able to find and rescue the girls, who are originally from Ecuador, after being directed in to the remote area by the camera operator.
Both girls were described by officials as alert but were taken to a hospital for health checks.
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Ms Psaki told reporters that the Biden administration condemned the actions of the smugglers.
“As Secretary Mayorkas said, the inhumane way that smugglers abuse children while profiting off parents’ desperation is criminal and morally reprehensible,” she added.
“Our concern and focus is on sending a clear message to the region that this is not the time to come, you should not send your kids on this treacherous journey, that these smugglers are preying on vulnerabilities in these communities.
“There are a lot of issues and steps we need to take to address root causes, so of course our concern is for the safety of these kids.
“These Border Patrol agents who saved these kids deserve our thanks and gratitude for ensuring their safety.”
