A Honduran migrant faces charges after allegedly throwing his young daughter into the Rio Grande while attempting to cross the U.S.-Mexico border illegally near Eagle Pass, Texas. The incident occurred on July 16th and was witnessed by a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper and a Florida Highway Patrol lieutenant working as part of Governor Greg Abbott's Operation Lone Star border security initiative.
According to an official statement, Miguel Ernesto Nunez-Martinez was apprehended after disregarding verbal warnings against trespassing on private property along the river. The area, identified as Shelby Park, is reportedly fortified with "no trespass" signs, razor wire, shipping containers, and fences. Nunez-Martinez is currently in custody facing charges of criminal trespass and felony child endangerment.
The child, described as approximately one year old and wearing a pink bow, was reportedly submerged in the river and appeared to be in distress. Florida Highway Patrol Lieutenant Michael Mattiza witnessed the incident and stated the child was "obviously in distress and in danger of drowning." Nunez-Martinez subsequently retrieved the child from the water. A nearby riverboat also observed the situation and turned back to assist.
The child was described as "crying and visibly terrified" after being pulled from the river. This incident comes shortly after Governor Abbott implemented a floating barrier of buoys in the Rio Grande aimed at deterring illegal crossings. This barrier has drawn criticism from Mexico, with claims that it may violate international treaties.
The deployment of these buoys is part of Texas' ongoing efforts to address border security concerns. The incident involving Nunez-Martinez highlights the risks associated with illegal border crossings, especially for vulnerable individuals such as children.
