(NewsNation) — Hundreds of migrants were crossing the border from Mexico Wednesday, using the Rio Grande and a system of ropes and human chains to get to the U.S.
Migrants risked their lives crossing the deceptively deep and swift river in Eagle Pass, Texas. Several people were swept away by the current until they could regain their footing.
While some migrants made it across, others weren’t as lucky. NewsNation witnessed one man who was unconscious and required CPR to resuscitate him.
“23 years in the Border Patrol and I have never seen such a chaotic border. I’ve never seen this much death,” Texas Border Czar Mike Banks said.
The Florida Wildlife Commission and the Texas Department of Public Safety were both on the scene, warning people not to cross due to the danger. The group included women and children, with some adults carrying children on their shoulders and other children being pulled across in innertubes.
The large crowd was seen using ropes to pull people across or forming human chains to keep from being swept away by the current. Once through the river, they faced a barrier of concertina wire. Law enforcement would not cut the wire to let them through. Instead, migrants were told to walk down the river bank to where the wire ends and Border Patrol would receive them. The walk normally takes about two hours.
Two men from Venezuela headed for Chicago told NewsNation they know it’s illegal to cross, but they’re trying anyway because it’s their only option.
Former Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Ron Vitello accused the Biden administration of removing controls at the border.
“In the previous administration, effective policy was an agreement with Mexico for the safe third country,” VItello told NewsNation. The policy required those seeking to come to the U.S. to wait in Mexico while waiting for immigration hearings.
Vitello also accused the Biden administration of releasing migrants into the U.S. rather than holding them in custody, contributing to the problem.
Recent data from the Department of Homeland Security indicates the Biden administration has released fewer migrants than the Trump administration as well as expelling a larger share of migrants than the previous administration.
Recently, Texas has seen a reduction in crossings, but Tuesday night, the legislature passed a law that would give local law enforcement the ability to arrest people who cross illegally. Those arrested would be given the option to self-deport to Mexico or face a misdemeanor charge and be removed. If they return, it would become a felony charge.
Crossing the border between ports of entry is already illegal under federal law. Legal experts and immigrant rights groups have railed against the Texas bill as a clear conflict with the U.S. government’s authority to regulate immigration.
Some Democrats say the state wants the U.S. Supreme Court’s new conservative majority to revisit a 2012 ruling that struck down key provisions of an Arizona immigration law. At the time, Justice Anthony Kennedy said Arizona may have “understandable frustrations” with immigrants who are in the country illegally but can’t pursue policies that “undermine federal law.”
The bill also sparked rare internal discord among Texas Republicans, who have typically operated in lockstep, with state Sen. Brian Birdwell saying the law would usurp powers granted to the federal government.
“For the short-term messaging gain between our two chambers during this election season, we are setting a terrible precedent for the future by invalidating our obedience and faithfulness to our Constitution,” Birdwell said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.