This week, at least 51 migrants have been found dead after attempting to enter the United States inside a tractor-trailer abandoned near San Antonio, Texas.
At a news conference on Monday night, authorities said that 16 people, including four children, were found alive and taken to the hospital. The survivors were described as “hot to the touch” and suffering from heatstroke and heat exhaustion. They were found in horrific conditions, with no working air conditioner and no water.
Officials are still working to identify the victims, which so far include 22 Mexican nationals, seven people from Guatemala, and two from Honduras. A Homeland Security Investigations agent called it the deadliest human smuggling incident in U.S. history.
“The plight of migrants seeking refuge is always a humanitarian crisis,” said Mayor of San Antonio, Ron Nirenberg, on Monday. He described the victims as men and women “who had families, who were likely trying to find a better life.”
The driver and two other people have been taken into custody over the situation. Officials also cannot be sure that all the people traveling in the vehicle had been accounted for. The investigation has been handed over to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
“We need urgent action — dismantle human smuggling rings and replace them with expanded avenues for legal migration that reflect our values and meet our country’s needs,” expressed Beto O’Rourke, a Democratic candidate for Texas governor.
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