Texas Border Control Efforts In Rio Grande Makes Mexico File Complaint

In efforts to deter migrants from crossing into Texas illegally, it had installed floating barriers in the Rio Grande River. But now Mexican officials have filed a complaint with the U.S. government.

Mexico's Foreign Relations Secretary Alicia Bárcena wrote in a diplomatic note that if the orange-colored buoys impede the river's flow, they could be in violation of two treaties. They were signed in 1944 and 1970 between the U.S. and Mexico. They govern the water and boundaries that separate the two countries, reported New York Post.

She shared that they are sending a mission, a "territorial inspection to see where the buoys are located." They want to conduct the "topographical survey to verify that they do not cross into Mexican territory."

In her letter, Barcena, who was named foreign minister in June but is awaiting formal confirmation by Mexico's Senate, also complained about the barbed wire fencing. It is being used along an island near Eagle Pass in Texas.

Texas Department of Public Safety Spokesman Lieutenant Chris Olivarez had previously said that the buoys go down a foot below the water line, so anyone who wants to get past them "would have to swim at least that far down."

The installation of the barriers was started earlier this month by Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott. It is part of a multi-billion effort to make sure the Texas-Mexico border is secured.

The U.S. State Department and Abbott's office are yet to comment on the complaint.

According to Reuters, many migrants have drowned while trying to cross the river in the last few years.

Four migrants drowned in the Rio Grande earlier this year and last September nine of them died. Nearly 40 migrants were rescued after they tried to cross the river near Eagle Pass.

DW reported that apart from Mexico's complaint, a businessman in Texas has filed a lawsuit against the barriers. He said that it will hurt his firm's river tours.

Abbott often slams U.S. President Joe Biden for not being able to stem the flow of undocumented migrants entering America.

His effort to fortify the U.S. border also includes authorizing the National Guard to arrest migrants and busing them to liberal-run U.S. states.

Mexico is an essential stop for people who are trying to reach the U.S. from South and Central America. Many of them flee their own countries due to violence, poverty and political crises.