Texas has unveiled a huge floating barrier to stop illegal migrants crossing into the state from Mexico.
The 1,000 foot-long barrier consists of large orange buoys that have been strung together across the middle of the River Grande, which doubles as an international border near Eagle Pass.
The NY Post says the area is said to be an illegal crossing hotspot. The buoys have been put in the water now, but it is thought it will be a week or so before they can be anchored onto the river bed.
Texas Department of Public Safety Spokesman Lt. Chris Olivarez said: “The buoys go down a foot below the water line, so anyone wanting to get past them would have to swim at least that far down.
Olivarez says no one has attempted to go over or under the buoys yet. Although he says some gaps in the barrier are yet to be filled up.
He added: “Most [migrants], they don’t want to go under water, they’re trying to scale over, like a wall. Especially with children, I think it’s going to be most effective with families who are trying to come across. Across the board, we want to prevent people from crossing the river in the first place.”
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Migrants crossing into the US through Texas have to wade through the waters of the River Grande. This is due to the fact the river stretches the entire length of the state, from El Paso to the Gulf of Mexco.
In some parts the water is ankle deep, while in other sections such as Eagle Pass, anyone crossing has to battle against strong currents.
The barrier has caused concern among human rights groups. The concerns suggest migrants could risk death attempting to cross the river.
Although Governor Greg Abbott says they are in place as a deterrant so no one tries. He said: “Texas has a constitutional right to secure our border.”
The International Boundary and Water Commission, which has control of the River Grande, says Texas did not ask for permission to install the buoys. It is the latest clash between regional and central authorities over attempts to secure the border.
Federal immigration agents also objected to the razor wire Texas put up to block illegal immigrants, says a newly released memo.
After a request from Gov. Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety addeds the wire across much of the border between the two countries.
Once migrants reach across the river they are in the United States, meaning the country has an obligation to process them. Federal agents are not allowed to go into the water and attempt to stop migrants from entering the country, as the threat of drowning for both agents and migrants is too great.
