Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, R, has once again issued a warning to migrants about the potential dangers in the Rio Grande, citing evidence of alligators in the river along the U.S.-Mexico border. The governor shared new footage on social media, highlighting potential wildlife threats in areas where migrants often attempt illegal crossings.
Abbott shared a video on social media platform X showing an alligator swimming in the river. The footage, originally posted by a NewsNation reporter, highlights a large alligator in the area, which Texas Department of Public Safety troopers say is regularly spotted where many migrants attempt to cross the border illegally.
This is not the first time Abbott has raised concerns about alligators in the Rio Grande. In April, the governor issued a similar warning, noting that alligators pose a serious threat in certain sections of the river and that signs are posted in some areas to alert migrants to the danger.
Abbott’s latest warning comes as tensions continue to rise over U.S. immigration policies, particularly ahead of the upcoming November presidential election. The Biden administration has faced ongoing criticism from Republicans over border security, with Abbott taking particularly strong measures, including installing razor wire along portions of the border to deter illegal crossings.
While alligator attacks are rare, they do occur. In Florida, the state’s Wildlife Conservation Commission has recorded more than 450 alligator bites and 30 fatalities since 1948.
