An abandoned tractor-trailer found in San Antonio, Texas on June 27 contained the dead bodies of at least 50 migrants.
An additional 16 people who were found in the truck have been hospitalized, including four children. The death toll continued to rise on Tuesday, after first reports said 42 were dead.
San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said that law enforcement was alerted to the truck around 6 p.m. after a local worker heard someone calling for help.
“According to a law enforcement official, it appears people were trying to jump out of the tractor-trailer because some of the deceased were found along several blocks. The tractor-trailer had a refrigeration system, the official said, but it did not appear to be working. Many of the people found inside the vehicle appeared to have been sprinkled with steak seasoning, the official said, in perhaps an attempt to cover up the smell of people as the smugglers were transporting them,” the Texas Tribune reports.
The people inside did not appear too have access to water and “were hot to the touch,” according to the report.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Republican lawmakers said that President Joe Biden is to blame for the deaths.
“At Least 42 People Found Dead Inside Truck Carrying Migrants In Texas. These deaths are on Biden,” the governor tweeted, prior to the death count raising. “They are a result of his deadly open border policies. They show the deadly consequences of his refusal to enforce the law.”
At Least 42 People Found Dead Inside Truck Carrying Migrants In Texas.
These deaths are on Biden.
They are a result of his deadly open border policies.
They show the deadly consequences of his refusal to enforce the law. https://t.co/8KG3iAwlEk
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) June 28, 2022
Texas Senator Ted Cruz tweeted, “Horrific. This..is..WRONG.”
Horrific. This..is..WRONG.
How many more people have to die before Dems give a damn?#BidenBorderCrisis https://t.co/rRa1nAAPxr
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) June 28, 2022
“How many more people have to die before Dems give a damn?” Sen. Cruz continued, adding the hashtag “#BidenBorderCrisis.”
Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales pointed out that it was 102 degrees in San Antonio that day.
“Today in San Antonio it was 102 degrees. Imagine being abandoned inside an 18-wheeler left to die – 42 people died today,” Rep. Gonzales wrote before asking if Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas will even mention their names.
Today in San Antonio it was 102 degrees. Imagine being abandoned inside an 18-wheeler left to die – 42 people died today – will @AliMayorkas even mention their names?
— Tony Gonzales (@TonyGonzales4TX) June 28, 2022
Death count rises to 46 with another 16 in the hospital, to include 4 kids. Lord when will the nightmare end.
— Tony Gonzales (@TonyGonzales4TX) June 28, 2022
Rep. Gonzalez wrote in an update, “Death count rises to 46 with another 16 in the hospital, to include 4 kids. Lord when will the nightmare end.”
Sec. Mayorkas also wrote a statement about the incident on Twitter.
“I am heartbroken by the tragic loss of life today and am praying for those still fighting for their lives,” Mayorkas said. “Far too many lives have been lost as individuals – including families, women, and children – take this dangerous journey.”
I am heartbroken by the tragic loss of life today and am praying for those still fighting for their lives. Far too many lives have been lost as individuals – including families, women, and children – take this dangerous journey.
— Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas (@SecMayorkas) June 28, 2022
We will work alongside our partners to hold those responsible for this tragedy accountable and continue to take action to disrupt smuggling networks.
— Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas (@SecMayorkas) June 28, 2022
The Biden administration official added, “We will work alongside our partners to hold those responsible for this tragedy accountable and continue to take action to disrupt smuggling networks.”
Three people are in custody, according to the Tribune, but it is currently unclear if they are connected to the case.
