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Mexican authorities have identified one of the two bodies recovered from the Rio Grande as the son of a Honduran migrant. However, the body found near the floating barrier installed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott was not the same. The mother recognized the tattoos on the badly decomposed body as her son’s, but fingerprint tests are needed for confirmation. The identity of the second body found near the buoys remains unknown. The cause of death is being determined by the Coahuila state prosecutor’s office. The barrier has raised concerns about migrants’ safety and human rights. STLtoday.com reported
Mexican officials announced on Thursday that a Honduran migrant has identified one of the bodies recovered from the Rio Grande as her son. However, it was determined that the 20-year-old man was not the body found near a floating barrier installed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in the river across from Eagle Pass, Texas.
The Foreign Relations Department of Mexico stated that a body, found about 3 miles upriver from the buoys, was tentatively identified as the Honduran man by his mother. However, due to advanced decomposition, fingerprint tests would be required to confirm the identification. The mother, currently residing in a migrant shelter in Piedras Negras, recognized her son’s tattoos on the body.
The second body found near the buoys remains unidentified, as no identification was found and no one has come forward to report the victim. The Coahuila state prosecutor’s office is working to positively identify the bodies and determine the cause of death.
The Mexican government had previously warned about the risks posed by the bright orange buoys placed on the Rio Grande to deter migrants from crossing into the United States. Mexico argues that the barrier violates treaties regarding the use of the river and infringes upon Mexico’s sovereignty. However, the Texas Department of Public Safety reported that the individual found near the buoys had likely drowned upstream and then floated into the barriers.
The installation of the floating barrier is part of Texas’ border security operation, which also includes razor-wire fencing and arrests of migrants on trespassing charges. The US Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Governor Abbott, seeking the removal of the barrier due to humanitarian and environmental concerns.
Migrant drownings in the Rio Grande are unfortunately common, with several incidents occurring even before the installation of the buoys. Despite the presence of barriers, migrants continue to cross the river, often taking advantage of shallow areas near bridges or openings in the razor wire. The Casa del Migrante shelter in Piedras Negras has seen a steady influx of migrants, including Venezuelans, who are seeking a quicker entry into the US due to delays in the legal immigration process.
In conclusion, the identification of the bodies found in the Rio Grande remains ongoing, and the dispute over the floating barrier between Mexico and Texas continues. The tragic incidents of migrant drownings highlight the ongoing challenges faced by individuals seeking a better life across the US-Mexico border..
