These shocking images show the floating wall installed by the Texan authorities to hinder migrants trying to make it to America.
Rio Grande Filled With Spike-Covered Buoys To Deter Migrants pic.twitter.com/UdwuZpMzZw
— NewsX (@newsx_media) July 14, 2023
The spherical buoys are nearly one metre across and are covered in spikes in a bid to prevent undocumented migrants from crossing the Rio Grande.
The Lone Star State’s Republican governor, Greg Abbott, tweeted on 7th July: “New marine barrier installation on the Rio Grande begins today.
“Texas DPS (Department of Public Safety) is overseeing the project in Eagle Pass. More to come.”
Abbott hopes the barrier will eventually cover a stretch of about 300 metres near Eagle Pass, which borders the Mexican city of Piedras Negras.
The area is a well-trodden route with undocumented migrants hoping to reach America.
Abbott explained: “We’re securing the border at the border. What these buoys will allow us to do is prevent people from even getting to the border.”
The new installation adds to the barbed wire already present on the American side of the river, as well as a physical barrier made up of shipping containers.
But migrant support organisations warn that the new barrier could lead to deaths from drowning.
Hours after the buoys arrived on 7th July, Eagle Pass resident and kayaking outfitter Jessie F. Fuentes filed a lawsuit in Travis County in a bid to stop the floating wall.
Abbott tweeted the next day: “We will see you in court. And don’t think the Travis Co. Court will be the end of it. This is going to the Supreme Court.
“Texas has a constitutional right to secure our border.”
Spokesperson Lt Chris Olivarez of the Texas Department of Public Safety – South Texas Region said in a statement obtained by Newsflash on 10th July: “The State of Texas is taking historic action under Gov. Greg Abbott’s Operation Lone Star to secure the border.
“Installation of the marine barrier began today in Eagle Pass. The marine barrier will deter unlawful crossings & human smuggling, & prevent the loss of life due to drownings.”
