The US Embassy in Mexico issued a direct warning to migrants considering crossing irregularly into US territory: the reinforcement of the southern border is no longer limited to land. Firm.

Through a message shared on social media, the diplomatic mission warned about the installation of floating barriers along the Rio Grande, accompanied by constant surveillance, as part of the federal government's strategy to curb illegal crossings.

“The wall on the southern border isn't just on land. If you try to cross the Rio Grande, you'll find floating barriers and constant surveillance,” the Embassy stated, also emphasizing that every mile of the border is reinforced to prevent entry outside of the ports of entry. The message was accompanied by a video showing long rows of orange buoys on the river, while the song "Down by the Riverside" by Willie Jones plays in the background.

The post concludes with a strong appeal: return to your country of origin and don't put your life at risk.

“You will be detained and deported. #DontEvenTryIt,” the warning emphasizes, seeking to discourage attempts to cross one of the most dangerous routes on the border.

A Large-Scale Federal Deployment

Unlike the round spheres initially installed by the Texas government in 2023, these new buoys are cylindrical and larger. “These barriers will make it considerably more difficult for illegal immigrants and drug traffickers to cross the river,” Noem stated. who described the measure as a “safer” alternative to deter people from entering treacherous waters.

The plan envisions covering more than 500 miles of the tributary,integrating the buoys into a “smart wall” system that includes thermal imaging cameras and motion sensors.

Although federal authorities argue that border crossings have decreased significantly since the beginning of the current administration, they maintain that the deployment is necessary to combat human and drug trafficking, as well as to provide greater safety for agents patrolling the area.

Criticism over human and environmental risks

The measure, however, has reignited controversy. Activists and migrant advocates describe the water barriers as a “death trap,” warning that they can cause serious injury or even death. In 2023, a body was found stuck in an area where Texas had installed similar buoys, sparking protests and complaints from the Mexican government. Environmental organizations have also expressed concern about the impact on wildlife and ecosystems in South Texas, as well as potential violations of international treaties on border waters. Despite this, the Trump administration defends the expansion of the program, asserting that securing waterways not only protects the United States but also deters migrants from risking their lives in dangerous waters. Despite this, the Trump administration defends the expansion of the program and maintains that securing waterways not only protects the United States, but also deters migrants from risking their lives in dangerous waters. but also deters migrants from risking their lives in dangerous waters.the Trump administration defends the expansion of the program and maintains that securing waterways not only protects the United States, but also deters migrants from risking their lives in dangerous waters. Despite this, the Trump administration defends the expansion of the program and maintains that securing waterways not only protects the United States, but also deters migrants from risking their lives in dangerous waters.the Trump administration defends the expansion of the program and maintains that securing waterways not only protects the United States, but also deters migrants from risking their lives in dangerous waters. Despite this, the Trump administration defends the expansion of the program and maintains that securing waterways not only protects the United States, but also deters migrants from risking their lives in dangerous waters.