Texas-Mexico border chaos: At least 46 migrants found dead in San Antonio

A tractor trailer was found with about 100 undocumented migrants in San Antonio, Texas, at least 46 of the migrants where found dead and lots of them are in bad state and have been hospitalized, authorities said.

The revelation is seen and believed to be an act of human smuggling which is completely against the U.S law and the state.

On Monday night at the location where the tragic event happened and the tractor-trailer was found, a San Antonio man named Mayor Ron Nirenberg said “This is nothing short of a horrific human tragedy”.

46 bodies where confirmed dead, none of which were children. All deceased individuals are adult confirmed by the authorities. But there is no information to where the migrants are from.

Sixteen individuals from the tractor-trailer were transported to the hospital, including 12 adults and four children.

“We hope those responsible for putting these people in such inhumane conditions are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” the mayor said. 

San Antonio Police Department, Chief William McManus said a nearby worker notified authorities about the tractor-trailer shortly before 6 p.m. Upon arriving at the scene, officials found dozens of deceased inside the back of the transport vehicle.

“This is now a federal investigation,” McManus said. The police chief also said at least three people were in custody but did not specify if the individuals were suspects in the investigation.

“The plight of migrants seeking refuge is always a humanitarian crisis but tonight we are dealing with a horrific human tragedy,” the mayor added. 

All the deceased victims had evidence of heat-related causes of death and the survivors who were transported to the hospital were similarly suffering heat stroke, exhaustion and dehydration, he said.

McManus clarified the tractor-trailer was refrigerated, however, the refrigeration system was not functioning.

He also said there was no drinkable water found inside the trailer.

The San Antonio Fire Department similarly described a nightmarish scene.

“We’re not supposed to open up a truck and see stacks of bodies in there,” an official said.

Rep. Tony Gonzales, a Republican who represents Texas, tweeted about the incident.

“Today in San Antonio it was 102 degrees. Imagine being abandoned inside an 18-wheeler left to die – 42 people died today – will @AliMayorkas even mention their names?”.