Photography
The number of migrants dead in a suspected smuggling operation rose to 50 on Tuesday, the Mexican Consulate reported, a day after dozens of bodies were found in the back of a sweltering tractor-trailer in San Antonio.
Eric Gay/AP
Roberto Velasco Álvarez, head of the North American mission for the Mexican government, wrote on Twitter that 22 of the victims were Mexican nationals, seven were originally from Guatemala and at least two were Honduran. There are 19 individuals for whom no nationality has been determined.
Eric Gay/AP
June 27
In this aerial view, members of law enforcement investigate a tractor-trailer. According to San Antonio Fire Chief Charles Hood, the bodies removed from the truck “were hot to the touch.”
Jordan Vonderhaar/Getty Images
Jordan Vonderhaar/Getty Images
June 27
Police work the scene. Smuggling organizations inside the United States sometimes pack migrants into trucks and cargo trailers after they have already crossed the border, to sneak them past highway checkpoints operated by the U.S. Border Patrol.
Eric Gay/AP
Eric Gay/AP
June 27
Onlookers stand near the scene. Homeland Security Investigations, a branch of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that specializes in human trafficking cases, has taken command of the investigation, authorities said.
Eric Gay/AP
Eric Gay/AP
June 27
Law enforcement officers work at the scene.
KAYLEE GREENLEE BEAL/REUTERS
KAYLEE GREENLEE BEAL/REUTERS
June 27
Police block the scene. The trailer door was ajar when law enforcement arrived, but those inside were too weak to get themselves out, San Antonio Fire Chief Charles Hood said. The victims were moaning when emergency personnel arrived.
Eric Gay/AP
Eric Gay/AP
June 27
Community members wait on the side of the road.
KAYLEE GREENLEE BEAL/REUTERS
KAYLEE GREENLEE BEAL/REUTERS
June 28
Law enforcement officers carry a body bag at the scene.
GO NAKAMURA/REUTERS
GO NAKAMURA/REUTERS
June 27
A TV reporter stands near the scene.
SERGIO FLORES/AFP/Getty Images
SERGIO FLORES/AFP/Getty Images
June 27
A woman reacts at the scene.
KAYLEE GREENLEE BEAL/REUTERS
KAYLEE GREENLEE BEAL/REUTERS
June 27
Priests gather near the scene.
Eric Gay/AP
Eric Gay/AP
June 27
San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg with San Antonio Police Chief William McManus, left, brief media and others at the scene. “This is nothing short of a horrific human tragedy,” said Nirenberg, describing the migrants as people “who had families, who were likely trying to find a better life.”
Eric Gay/AP
Eric Gay/AP
June 27
Christine and Michael Ybarra embrace.
KAYLEE GREENLEE BEAL/REUTERS
KAYLEE GREENLEE BEAL/REUTERS
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Credits
Photo editing and production by Troy Witcher