In a shocking incident along the southern border of the United States, a Honduran migrant allegedly threw his 1-year-old daughter into the Rio Grande while attempting to illegally cross into Texas.
The man, identified as Miguel Ernesto Nunez-Martinez, was apprehended by law enforcement officials on July 16 in Eagle Pass, Texas.
Rio Grande Illegal Border Crossing Attempt
The incident highlights the dangers and desperation faced by migrants seeking to enter the country unlawfully while raising concerns about the safety and welfare of vulnerable individuals involved in these perilous journeys.
Nunez-Martinez was taken into custody by a trooper with the Texas Department of Public Safety and a Florida Highway Patrol lieutenant, who was part of Governor Greg Abbott’s Operation Lone Star initiative.
Nunez-Martinez is accused of criminal trespass and felony child endangerment, according to a sworn arrest affidavit.
Texas DPS Lieutenant Chris Olivarez confirmed the arrest and detention via a tweet.
Authorities stated that they had verbally warned Nunez-Martinez not to enter the private property on the banks of the Rio Grande.
The area, known as Shelby Park, is reportedly marked with “no trespass” signs, razor wire, shipping containers, and fences to deter unauthorized entry.
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Honduran Migrant Defies Warning Signs
Despite the warnings, Nunez-Martinez proceeded to cross the border illegally.
Florida Highway Patrol Lieutenant Michael Mattiza, who witnessed the incident, reported that he saw a Hispanic male dressed in black with neck tattoos throwing a child into the Rio Grande River.
The child, described as a 1-year-old girl wearing a pink bow in her hair, went underwater and was in distress.
Mattiza further stated that Nunez-Martinez eventually retrieved the girl from the water, and a riverboat in the vicinity turned around after noticing the situation.
Lieutenant Mattiza observed that the child was visibly terrified and in tears.
Governor Greg Abbott recently announced the installation of a marine barrier installation along the Rio Grande, which consists of orange buoys aimed at discouraging illegal crossings.
However, this move has drawn criticism from Mexico, who argue that it may violate treaties regarding boundaries and water.
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