Eight migrants found dead, 53 apprehended after trying to cross Rio Grande at Texas border

Texas Officials confirmed on Friday that at least 8 migrants, who had been attempting to enter the United States by crossing the Rio Grande perished in their journey. Authorities said that heavy rain and surging rivers were the likely cause of death.

Mexican authorities located two of the bodies while US Border Agents located six. Authorities have teamed up with the Eagle Pass Fire Department and Maverick County Sheriff’s Office to mount a search for other victims and possible survivors.

A further 53 migrants were apprehended by US Border Agents. 39 people were also arrested on the Mexican side of the border.

The incident comes as migrants continue to take risks when crossing into the United States. In June, 53 migrants were found dead inside a tractor-trailer near San Antonio.

Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX), whose district includes much of the border area, hit out at President Joe Biden, noting his absence at the border since taking office in 2021. “53 DEAD in a truck, 53 in a river, countless dead in ditches, gullies and desert throughout #TX23….how many more must die before Biden visits the border?” he tweeted. 

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has been bussing many migrants to New York, Washington D.C. and Chicago in protest of Biden’s handling of the border.

“President Biden’s inaction at our southern border continues putting the lives of Texans—and Americans—at risk and is overwhelming our communities,” Abbott said on Wednesday, when announcing that the first migrants had been sent to Chicago.