Three Migrants Die After Trying To Cross Rio Grande Into Texas

A woman and two children are dead and Congressman Henry Cuellar is accusing the Texas National Guard of keeping the Border Patrol from saving them. The Texas Military Department denies Cuellar's allegation. The incident comes after the Texas National Guard seized control of a public park near the Rio Grande in Eagle Pass that Border Patrol had been using to hold migrants. On Friday Night, Border Patrol identified six migrants in distress. After being unable to contact the state by the phone, Border Patrol attempted to go to those in distress. Upon arriving the Agents were denied entry and could not administer emergency aide. On Saturday three bodies were recovered by Mexican officials.

The Texas Military Department later released the following statement:

“The Texas Military Department is aware of a social media post concerning the drownings of 3 migrants. TMD was contacted by Border Patrol at approximately 9:00pm in reference to a migrant distress situation. TMD had a unit in the vicinity of the boat ramp and actively searched the river with lights and night vision goggles. No migrants were observed. At approximately 9:45pm TMD observed a group of Mexican authorities responding to an incident on the Mexico-side of the river bank. TMD reported their observations back to Border Patrol and they confirmed that the Mexican authorities required no additional assistance. At that time TMD ceased search operations. At no time did TMD security personnel along the river observe any distressed migrants, nor did TMD turn back any illegal immigrants from the US during this period. Also, at no point was TMD made aware of any bodies in the area of Shelby Park nor was TMD made aware of any bodies being discovered on the U.S. side of the border regarding this situation. TMD maintains water rescue equipment and actively works with local EMS to aid migrants in need of medical care.”