Venezuelan Presidential Hopeful Drowns in Rio Grande Attempting to Cross into U.S.

A Venezuelan presidential candidate drowned in the Rio Grande on Tuesday while attempting to cross into Texas, as a surge of migrants continued to arrive at the El Paso-Juarez border seeking asylum in the United States. The incident occurred amidst a chaotic scene, with hundreds of migrants riding trains to reach the border area.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the unidentified Venezuelan migrant was part of a larger group that had traveled by train to Juarez, Mexico with the intention of presenting asylum claims in the U.S. Some migrants reportedly armed themselves with rocks to prevent Mexican immigration authorities from removing them from the trains. "As of Wednesday, there were 3,186 migrants already in CBP custody in the El Paso Sector," a CBP spokesperson stated.

The U.S. has responded to the influx by erecting razor wire barriers along the Rio Grande and deploying National Guard troops to deter illegal crossings. Several migrants have been arrested for attempting to cut through the wire and other offenses. CBP officials have urged asylum-seekers to make appointments through the CBP One mobile app and wait to be called to a port of entry, emphasizing that crossing between ports is unlawful and could jeopardize future immigration benefits.

Why this matters: The tragic drowning of the Venezuelan presidential hopeful highlights the desperate measures migrants are taking to reach the United States, as well as the strain on border resources amid the ongoing surge in asylum-seekers. The incident underscores the complex challenges faced by both migrants and authorities in managing the humanitarian crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border.

In a statement, CBP expressed condolences to the family of the drowned migrant and reiterated its call for those seeking asylum to follow established legal processes. "We remind those who wish to claim asylum in the U.S. to make appointments through the CBP One app and wait to be called to a port of entry. Crossing between ports is unlawful and could disqualify individuals from future immigration benefits," the agency stated. As the situation at the border continues to evolve, U.S. authorities are confronting how to balance humanitarian concerns with the need to maintain security and orderly immigration processes.

Key Takeaways

• Venezuelan presidential candidate drowned crossing Rio Grande to seek asylum in U.S.
• Hundreds of migrants arriving by train at El Paso-Juarez border, some armed with rocks.
• Over 3,100 migrants in CBP custody in El Paso Sector as of Wednesday.
• U.S. erected razor wire barriers, deployed National Guard to deter illegal border crossings.
• CBP urges asylum-seekers to use CBP One app, crossing between ports is unlawful.