US Migrant crisis: Eight die while crossing Rio Grande in Texas. See details

In a shocking development, eight people drowned when a large group of migrants risked their lives in crossing the Rio Grande river near a border city in Texas, as per a statement of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) spokesperson. The border city is known as Eagle Pass, which lies about 140 miles west of San Antonio. Amid heavy rainfall, the migrants tried to cross the surging Rio Grande river.

According to a statement, U.S. border agents arrested a total of 53 individuals, which included about 37 rescued people. The authorities on the Mexican side of the border have put about 39 people in custody.

According to CBP, the apprehensions at the border remain at a record level. As per the statement released by the U.S. CBP spokesman, two dead migrants were found by the border agents on the Mexican side while six on the U.S. side.





Although more information about the incident wasn't available, it was later found that the migrants drowned after an unexpected heavy rainfall. The river flow showed six inches of rain fell.

FAQs

Q1. What was the cause of the death of the migrants?
This news from Texas is an eye-opener about the migrant crossings over the border. According to the authorities, the group of migrants died due to drowning when they tried to cross the Rio Grande after heavy rainfall. As per the data collected from the U.S. Geographical Survey, Rio Grande reached the highest level of 51/2 feet, leading to surging river conditions while crossing.

Q2. Has the crossing by migrants at the U.S. border increased lately?
The crossing at the U.S. border has reduced in the past few months, but the migrants continue to take a risky approach to enter the United States even after enforcing strict policies. A Reuters investigation found that there has been an increase in the number of deaths at the border in 2021.