Did Texas Install Chainsaws on Its Controversial Floating Barriers Along the Rio Grande? Critics Say Yes

Texas is being accused of even more human rights violations as critics of Gov. Greg Abbott's floating barriers say that chainsaws have been installed in the Rio Grande barriers in an effort to keep immigrants out.

Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, a Texas Democrat, posted a disturbing video of the Texas floating barriers employed by Governor Greg Abbott in the Rio Grande. It showed that the bright orange buoys contained circular chainsaws that might cut migrants trying to climb over or swim under them. Rep. Garcia slammed the Texas government, calling these tactics "cruel and inhumane."

US Rep. Joaquin Castro of Texas, another Democrat, also revealed in a tweet on X that "Clothing stuck on razor wire where families got trapped. Chainsaw devices in the middle of buoys."

Texas Public Radio also reported these blades between the buoys, stating, "There are serrated metal plates that look like circular saw blades between each buoy to deter anyone from climbing over it."

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus then slammed Texas in a statement that said, "Razor wire. Buoys meant to inflict harm. Helicopters. Military vehicles. This is equipment designed for war, not to help process asylum seekers at the southern border."

The floating barriers, the additional chainsaws between the buoys, and the low-lying razor wire placed along the banks of the Rio Grande are all part of Abbott's "Operation Lone Star" that aimed to fight immigration. However, critics have repeatedly warned that such measures will not deter migrants from trying to cross the Rio Grande but will instead cause more injuries and death.

The Price of the Controversial Texas Floating Barriers Along the Rio Grande

The federal government is suing Texas over these floating barriers that have so far been connected to at least two deaths along the Rio Grande, as well as several injuries. These possible human rights violations are also costing taxpayers a lot of money.

According to Newsweek, the Texas floating barriers, complete with the circular chainsaws, cost taxpayers around $1,000 per foot. Overall, these Rio Grande barriers come with a $1 million price tag.

The barriers have so far not deterred migrants who either try to go over or swim under them or find other parts of the river that have no barriers or razor wire to cross. Often, these parts of the Rio Grande have stronger currents or powerful rapids, making the crossings more dangerous. Critics say that the barriers are just good optics for Abbott's white conservative base but disregard the possible harm they can do.

Mexico Complained That the Texas Floating Barriers Have Made It to Their Side of the Rio Grande

The Texas floating barriers have also caused diplomatic problems with Mexico, which filed a diplomatic complaint previously. Now, Mexico claims that the barriers have crossed over to their side of the Rio Grande.

During a joint press conference, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Mexican Foreign Minister Alicia Bárcena both questioned the legality of these barriers, with Mexico claiming that Abbott's barriers infringe upon established treaties governing river usage and encroach upon Mexico's sovereignty, according to Newsweek.

"What we're talking about is a very delicate situation on the border, at the Rio Grande - Rio Bravo as we call it," said the Mexican foreign minister. "Most of the buoys are on the Mexican side."

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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