Mexico requests the U.S. to remove the buoy barrier placed in the Rio Grande

The Mexican government urged the United States to remove the buoy barrier placed on the Rio Grande River by Texas Governor Greg Abbott a few days ago. Through a press release, the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs argued its request:

"The placement of the buoy barrier that the State of Texas installed within the channel of the Rio Grande River, starting in the Eagle Pass area, contravenes Article 17 of the 1944 International Waters Treaty, which states that 'the use of the channel of international rivers for the discharge of floodwaters or other surplus waters shall be free.'" The statement continued, “At the same time, it violates Article IV B.1 of the 1970 Boundary Treaty, which establishes that ‘both in the main channel of the river and in the adjacent lands, up to a distance on each side of the international boundary recommended by the Commission and approved by the two Governments, each contracting state shall prohibit the construction of works in its territory which, in the opinion of the Commission, may cause detour or obstruction of the normal flow of the river or its floods.’”

On July 7, the Texas Department of Public Safety explained that the buoys arrived, and they began installation immediately. The project began near Eagle Pass, which has become a major point for illegal border crossings in the last year. However, the barrier can be extended and even moved if required.

The floating wall is composed of giant buoys that are four to six feet high and have straps underneath to prevent people from swimming underneath.