In a tragic incident, the bodies of two migrants, including a 3-year-old boy, were recovered from the Rio Grande this week. Texas officials believe that they drowned while attempting to illegally cross the US-Mexico border. The Texas Department of Public Safety's Tactical Marine Unit made the grim discovery on Wednesday at around 3:30 p.m. after receiving a report about a child being swept away while crossing the river with his family. The lifeless body of the 3-year-old boy was found just north of Eagle Pass, a city that witnessed over 4,000 migrant crossings on Wednesday alone, leading to the declaration of a state of emergency.

The young boy was immediately transported to a local hospital where medical professionals pronounced him dead. The devastating incident highlights the dangers faced by migrants attempting to cross the border, often risking their lives in pursuit of a better future. Tragically, this was not the only loss of life in the Rio Grande this week.

On Thursday morning, around 8:40 a.m., the Texas Department of Public Safety's marine unit discovered yet another body submerged in the Rio Grande. Both bodies were found to the north of the controversial 1,000-foot-long marine barrier that Texas officials had set up to deter border crossings. It is worth noting that earlier this month, a federal judge ordered Texas to remove these barriers. However, the state has chosen to keep them in place as they appeal the decision, claiming that they are necessary to protect lives amidst what they refer to as President Biden's "open border policies."

The investigation into these tragic deaths is being handled by the Maverick County sheriff's office. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice had previously sued Texas Governor Greg Abbott, arguing that he lacked the authority to order the placement of the river buoys. Federal prosecutors argued that the buoys posed a threat to human life. Governor Abbott, however, has refuted these claims, stating that the barriers are essential to protect lives from the chaos caused by the current administration's border policies.

Governor Abbott has also accused the Biden administration of cutting razor wire that had been installed by the state in Eagle Pass. The city has been overwhelmed by an influx of migrants, with thousands pouring in over the border in recent days. As a response, Eagle Pass Mayor Rolando Salinas Jr. has once again permitted officers to detain migrants crossing the river into Shelby Park, which he declared "private property" back in June.

These tragic deaths are a grim reminder of the dangers faced by migrants attempting to cross the border. According to data obtained by CBS News, in fiscal year 2022, U.S. Border Patrol recorded over 850 migrant deaths, surpassing the 546 deaths recorded in the previous fiscal year. Experts and officials believe that this number is likely an undercount due to incomplete data. Heat exposure has been identified as the leading cause of migrant deaths along the U.S. southern border, closely followed by drownings.

The situation at the US-Mexico border remains a complex and deeply concerning issue. As record numbers of migrants attempt to cross into the United States, the risks and dangers they face are ever-present, resulting in tragic loss of life. It is crucial for both federal and state authorities to find humane and effective solutions to address these challenges while ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals involved.