Most of Texas Floating Border Is Actually in Mexico [Survey]

Approximately 80% of the contentious Texas floating border in the Rio Grande to deter migrant crossings is situated on the Mexican side of the US-Mexico border, says a survey released by the International Boundary and Water Commission, according to CBS News.

This revelation emerged as part of a federal court filing by the Biden administration in its legal action against the barrier, which Texas erected in response to Governor Greg Abbott's directive to counteract the migrant movement and challenge President Biden's border policies.

The river barrier, established near the Texas border town of Eagle Pass, has drawn significant domestic and international attention, including criticism from the Mexican government.

Critics, which include advocates, Democratic lawmakers, and a Texas state medic, have raised concerns about the potential of the barriers to direct migrants towards deeper areas of the river, increasing the risk of drowning.

This survey confirms complaints previously lodged by Mexico's top diplomat to the Biden administration.

It also contradicts Texas' claims that the buoys used for the barrier do not cross the international boundary, which would violate Mexican sovereignty and international treaties governing the use of the river.

The barrier, composed of a series of buoys spanning 995 feet, was placed near Eagle Pass to impede migrant crossings, per The Dallas Morning News.

The survey findings indicate that approximately 787 feet of the barrier, nearly 80%, extends onto the Mexican side of the Rio Grande.

The US Justice Department presented these survey results in a federal court filing as part of its lawsuit against Governor Greg Abbott, with the aim of compelling Texas to remove the barrier.

Controversy Surrounding the Texas Floating Border and Allegations of Harmful Devices

Social media users and politicians have raised concerns about the installation of devices along the Texas floating border.

A viral video shared on social media depicted what some claim to be circular chainsaws attached to the buoys, potentially designed to harm individuals attempting to cross the border, Euronews noted.

These allegations have been spread by Democratic Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, who documented the measures taken by Texas Governor Greg Abbott on a visit to the US-Mexico border.

Critics argue that such devices could cause injuries or even fatalities among migrants attempting to cross the border.

Texas Authorities Claim the Device Is Meant to 'Deter Anyone from Climbing' Over Barriers

Texas authorities have responded by stating that the devices are intended to deter individuals from climbing over the Texas barriers rather than causing harm.

Texas authorities declared the operation a success, boasting the apprehension of nearly 402,000 illegal immigrants over the past two years.

They clarified that the razor-like blades seen on the Texas floating border are not circular chainsaws but rather serrated metal plates resembling floating barbed wire.

These plates are positioned between each buoy to prevent people from attempting to climb over the Texas barriers.

Despite these explanations, a Texas state trooper participating in Operation Lone Star reportedly referred to the razor wire and buoys as "nothing more than an inhumane trap."

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Mexico files diplomatic complaint over Texas governor's floating border barrier - From WFAA