Rio Grande will soon be full. Will put migrants in danger?
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- In just a few short days, water will be released from Elephant Butte Reservoir into the Rio Grande. As water makes its way towards El Paso, there is concern over whether it will be a danger to the thousands migrants who have made their way to the Borderland.
For most of the year, the Rio Grande is a dried-up river bed that winds through the Borderland. Every year around this time, however, water is released down the river for farmers to water their crops in the upper and lower valleys.
This year poses an unusual danger. Thousands of migrants from South and Latin America have made their way to the United States border, looking to enter the country. As many of them wait to be processed, they camp out along the Rio Grande, which will be a flowing river again in just a few days time.
Border officials try to prevent the migrants from crossing by foot through the river, but some people still attempt the crossing. ABC-7 is looking into the potential safety hazards for migrants, and what can be done to prevent injuries and fatalities.
