Body of migrant found stuck in Rio Grande floating barrier: Mexico says wire buoys are ‘violation of sovereignty’ as Biden administration fights to have it removed

The body of a migrant has been found stuck in the floating barrier in the Rio Grande in what Mexican officials say is proof of how it is a ‘violation’ of their sovereignty and attack on the rights of those crossing the river. 

The body has not yet been identified. It’s unclear if it belongs to a man, woman or child. Mexico‘s Foreign Ministry issued a statement to confirm the discovery yesterday and to once again criticize the barrier. 

‘We express our concern about the impact on the human rights and personal safety of migrants that these state policies will have, which run counter to the close collaboration between our country and the federal government of the United States,’ the statement said. 

The 1,000ft barrier is made up of large, wire-bound buoys designer to deter migrants from crossing 

The barrier is being championed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who refused to remove the buoys despite a request from the Justice Department earlier this year. 

The improvised border was installed near Eagle Pass, a city thought to be a primary entry point for illegal border crossings.  

‘It’s called operation “hold the line.” They are holding the line and ensuring that nobody enters the state of Texas illegally,’ said Abbott.

In late July, the DoJ sued Texas to remove them, claiming they obstructed public safety and government duties. 

Migrants trying to enter the U.S. from Mexico approach the site where workers are assembling large buoys to be used as a border barrier along the banks of the Rio Grande near Eagle Pass , Texas, Tuesday, July 11, 2023

Workers continue to deploy large buoys to be used as a border barrier along the banks of the Rio Grande in Eagle Pass, Texas, Wednesday, July 12, 2023

The White House called the barrier ‘cruel’ and ‘counterproductive’, claiming it would do nothing to deter migrants but would only lead to increased deaths through drowning. 

The barrier is three soccer-fields in length and is made up of giant buoys wrapped in wire. 

Mexico has sent two diplomatic letters to the United States saying the barrier violates a water treaty and may encroach on Mexican territory, according to a statement from Mexican authorities published last week.

The U.S. Justice Department also showed opposition to the buoys by suing Texas last month, arguing they pose threats to navigation and public safety, and present humanitarian concerns.

A joint letter from more than 60 organizations was sent to Texan state legislators on Tuesday urging them to put an end to ‘violent border strategies’ and remove the buoys from the Rio Grande river, the Border Network for Human Rights organization said in a statement. 

Ken Salazar, the US Ambassador to Mexico, previously described it as ‘illegal’. 

 Major General Thomas Suelzer of the Texas Military Department shows a picture of floating barriers on June 8