President Joe Biden accused human traffickers for the death of 50 immigrants abandoned in a truck near San Antonio, Texas, and described the tragedy as “horrible and heartbreaking.”
“The tragic loss of life in San Antonio, Texas, that took place yesterday, is horrible and heartbreaking,” said the president in a statement. “Initial reports indicate that this tragedy was caused by smugglers or human traffickers who disregard the lives they endanger and exploit for profit.”
The immigrants were found in a abandoned truck, without water or ventilation, according to the first reports, which would have caused the death of people. There are 16 survivors, four of whom are minors.
“Our prayers are with those who lost their lives, their loved ones, as well as those who are still fighting for their lives,” said the president, who thanked the work of federal, state and local first responders.
He added that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is investigating the case, but insisted that human traffickers could be to blame for the tragedy.
“This incident underscores the need to go after the multibillion-dollar criminal smuggling industry that preys on migrants and causes too many innocent deaths,” Biden said.
At the moment, San Antonio authorities reported the arrest of three people related to the case, but the investigation continues ongoing.
President Biden recalled the initiative he unveiled at the Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, California, against human trafficking, which is part of the Declaration of the Angeles, signed by 20 countries.
“I announced that the United States has launched a campaign against smuggling, the first of its kind, with our regional partners,” he said. “In the first three months, we have made more than 2,50 arrests, and that work will intensify in the coming months.”
Without mentioning the governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, President Biden seems to answer the accusation of the Republican that these deaths are a consequence of the immigration policies of the current Administration.
“Exploiting vulnerable people for profit is shameful, as is the political bluster surrounding the tragedy,” Biden said.
Abbott tweeted the night of Monday that the case was “a consequence” of the Biden Administration “refusing to apply the law” at the border.
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Police reports indicate that the immigrants were sprayed with meat seasoning, to avoid being detected by ‘La Migra’ whose officers use canine elements.