Update: The Family Who Died at Eagle Pass

The two children who drowned at Eagle Pass last Friday night, pictured in 2019. Credit: CNN

Often lost in the gamesmanship of border politics are details of those who tragically die trying to get to this country. In 2022, the most recent year for which records are available, nearly 700 people perished or disappeared trying to come to the United States. The International Organization for Migration says this is the deadliest land route for migrants worldwide.  

We received many comments on our post from Tuesday asking for more information about the three people who died crossing the Rio Grande at Eagle Pass, Texas. According to Mexican authorities, the bodies have been identified as Victerma de la Sancha Cerros, 33, and her two children, a 10-year-old girl and an eight-year-old boy. They were from a town near Mexico City, hundreds of miles south of Eagle Pass.

Authorities say Victerma’s sister, Mónica de la Sancha Cerros, 30, and her 10-year-old son were rescued by Mexican soldiers. They suffered hypothermia but survived.

The five family members had reportedly formed a human chain to cross the river, but at some point, one of the children broke free, and the strong river currents swept three of them underwater. That’s when Mexican authorities requested help from the U.S. Border Patrol, which was denied access to the area by the Texas State Police and National Guard.

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