Carlos Figueroa
Correspondent
La Jornada Newspaper
Thursday, October 9, 2025, p. 20
Nuevo Laredo, Tamps., The body of a migrant who drowned was recovered in the Rio Grande by elements of the Civil Protection and Fire Department. With this case, there are three victims so far in 2025, the lowest number recorded in more than five years.
Lino Sosa Gutiérrez, commander of the fire department, reported that this reduction represents a significant change compared to previous years.
In 2024, eight deaths were recorded; in 2023, nine; in 2022, 10, and in 2021, 20. In 2020 and 2019 there were 13 victims, and in 2018, 17 undocumented drowned.
The most recent is a man between 30 and 35 years old who was wearing a black t-shirt and blue jeans. He did not carry documents that could be used for identification.
“We are seeing positive results from the prevention actions that have been reinforced in coordination with different sectors,” commented Sosa Gutiérrez. Among these measures, the collaboration with groups of local fishermen stood out, who carry out awareness-raising work in parks and points near the river bed.
He stressed that the main purpose is to deter migrants from attempting illegal crossings through high-risk areas. In addition, United States authorities have increased border surveillance, which has also contributed to reducing attempted crossings across the Rio Grande.
