If confirmed as a smuggling try, it will be among the many deadliest such incidents in U.S. historical past.
SAN ANTONIO — The discovery of at the very least 62 individuals believed to be migrants in a sweltering semitruck in southeast San Antonio Monday night time – 46 of them found dead – has launched a federal investigation.
Leaders from throughout Texas are reacting to the news, a lot of them calling for motion.
Speaking from the scene Monday night time, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg known as the incident “a horrific human tragedy.”
“I would urge you all to think compassionately, and pray for the deceased, the ailing the families,” Nirenberg added. “We hope that those responsible for putting these people in such inhumane conditions are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Three individuals had been arrested on the scene, however SAPD officers stated it remained to be seen in the event that they had been definitively linked to what may have been a smuggling operation.
Governor Greg Abbott, whose Operation Lone Star mission of fortifying the border is stretching into its second summer season, stated the deaths resulted from President Joe Biden’s “deadly open border policies.”
Beto O’Rourke, Abbott’s opponent in the 2022 gubernatorial race, known as the news “devastation” whereas calling for making authorized immigration extra accessible.
Other Texas Republicans blasted their Democratic colleagues for what they stated was inaction when it got here to the border. Among them, Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Tony Gonzalez.
“Deadliest border crisis in our nations history. You won’t hear one peep from Democrats. #TX23.” -Rep. Gonzalez.
Gustavo García-Siller, head of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, known as for unity and prayer in an announcement posted on-line Monday night time.
Democratic U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, who represents the world as a part of District 20, used the news to name for an finish to Title 42, the continued Trump-era protocol that allowed Texas authorities to extra rapidly expel emigrants whereas citing COVID-19.
A federal decide in May dominated for the coverage to keep in place. On Monday night time, Castro alleged it is helped present “repeat business for human smugglers.”
Other politicians, together with State Sen. Jose Menendez and Texas Rep. Henry Cuellar, lamented the news and known as for accountability.
“I’m heartbroken at the estimated 46 lives lost, & 16 people including 4 children at hospitals tonight. Seeking asylum & chance at a better life shouldn’t lead to death. Texas has made it near impossible to seek asylum, leading to desperation & unthinkable tragedies like this one.” -Sen. Menendez.
“This is an absolute tragedy. 47 are now dead after driving through the Laredo checkpoint. We must bring an end to these senseless deaths and hold those responsible accountable. Let us pray for the families of the deceased. May they Rest In Peace.” -Rep. Cuellar.
On the federal stage, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas pledged the federal government would “continue to take action to disrupt smuggling networks.”
Meanwhile, the nationwide president of the League of United Latin American Citizens, Domingo García, stated each side of the aisle want to come back collectively for immigration reform. His full assertion is beneath:
“The politics of President Trump and Governor Abbott to construct the wall, deport all of them, and Operation Lone Star have all been abysmal failures. Both Democrats and Republicans have to work collectively on a brand new bipartisan immigration invoice. The reforms should permit us to convey in authorized visitor staff and open authorized avenues for individuals to come back in to assist our economic system.
“These steps will stop these refugees and immigrants from being thrown into the fingers of human smugglers and coyotes who’re prepared to danger the lives of others for a greenback, in addition to American employers who need low-cost labor that may be exploited. It’s time for politicians in Congress to go complete immigration reforms to handle these points and keep away from different tragedies.
“It’s also time for the politicians in Austin to stop using immigrants as political piñatas and start treating them as people in this humanitarian crisis, not a police enforcement issue.”
Ashley C. Hoff, United States Attorney Western District of Texas launched this assertion on Tuesday:
“San Antonio first responders and law enforcement discovered a tragic and disturbing scene yesterday evening on the southwest side of San Antonio. Dozens of immigrants were found dead or incapacitated in and around a tractor trailer with over a dozen others hospitalized in critical condition. All were the apparent victims of human smugglers indifferent to the well-being of human life. The South Texas heat is brutal this time of year, especially given the recent record-high temperatures. We will continue to work with the Homeland Security Investigations and the local responders to identify and bring those who were responsible for this tragedy to justice.”
story by The Texas Tribune Source link