Overview
- The embassy posted a video warning that the southern border “is not only on land,” saying river crossings will face floating barriers, constant surveillance, detention and deportation.
- Footage showed long lines of orange buoys on the Río Bravo/Río Grande accompanied by Willie Jones’s song Down by the riverside.
- Reports say installation began earlier in the week and extends across more than 800 kilometers in high-crossing areas between Texas and Tamaulipas.
- DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said the floating barrier is financed under President Trump’s legislation and is part of efforts to curb illegal crossings and drug trafficking.
- Migrant-rights groups denounced the buoys as a potential “deadly trap,” warning of injuries or drownings, while embassy messaging also cautioned about smugglers, extortion and risks to children.