Police in Uvalde, Texas, have confirmed that two individuals believed to be illegal immigrants suffocated to death aboard a freight train, while 10 others were transported by helicopter and ambulances to a hospital for treatment. Authorities reported that U.S. Border Patrol officials were notified and were able to stop the train east of Nibba in Uvalde County. Officials temporarily closed Highway 90 to allow for helicopter landings.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials stated that federal investigators are looking into whether the incident is linked to a human smuggling operation. KSAT TV reported that the Uvalde Police Chief believes the migrants suffered from dehydration due to the heat inside the train cars during hot weather.
Police Chief Daniel Rodriguez expressed sorrow, stating, "It is heartbreaking to see so many illegal immigrants in this condition and the death of two of them. This is devastating." The Mexican consulate in Texas posted on Twitter that it is aware of the incident and is in contact with U.S. officials to determine if any of the victims are from Mexico.
