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Mexico disputes Texas claim over nine Rio Bravo islands
The Mexican Foreign Ministry has rejected a declaration by Texas authorities claiming ownership of nine islands located in the Rio Bravo (Rio Grande) between Laredo and McAllen. Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham announced that the Texas General Land Office (GLO) identified these islands, which cover approximately 66 acres, as state property following a request from U.S. Customs and Border Protection regarding 28 islands with uncertain ownership.
Texas authorities have authorized the Texas Military Department and the Department of Public Safety to access the islands to conduct patrols, cleaning, and security operations. The state argues these measures are necessary to prevent criminal organizations, such as drug cartels and human traffickers, from using the islands as hideouts, although officials acknowledged that criminal activity on these specific islands has not been confirmed.
Mexico responded by stating that international borders cannot be modified by the unilateral decision of a state government. The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the 1970 Boundary Treaty establishes the border at the center of the river's normal channel. Mexico noted that the International Boundary and Water Commission (CILA) is the only authorized body to determine island sovereignty and apply the treaty, and that neither country may undertake works that could obstruct the river's normal flow.
Entities
Dawn Buckingham · International Boundary and Water Commission · Mexican Foreign Ministry · Mexico · Río Bravo · Río Grande · Texas · Texas General Land Office · U.S. Customs and Border Protection · United States
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 10 SOURCES] The islands are located between Laredo and McAllen. indicepolitico.com · almomento.mx · jornadabc.com.mx · eldiariodechihuahua.mx · www.expreso.com.mx · +5 more
- [● 18 SOURCES] The nine islands cover approximately 66 acres. almomento.mx · deultimominuto.com · jornadabc.com.mx · columnadigital.com · novini247.com · +13 more
- [● 8 SOURCES] The decision follows a request from U.S. Customs and Border Protection regarding 28 islands. indicepolitico.com · columnadigital.com · novini247.com · www.expreso.com.mx · fakti.bg · +3 more
- [● 27 SOURCES] The International Boundary and Water Commission (CILA) is the authorized body to determine island sovereignty. xeu.mx · estamosaqui.mx · indicepolitico.com · almomento.mx · columnadigital.com · +21 more
- [● 29 SOURCES] Texas authorities claimed ownership of nine islands in the Rio Bravo. xeu.mx · estamosaqui.mx · indicepolitico.com · almomento.mx · columnadigital.com · +23 more
- [● 12 SOURCES] Texas authorized the Texas Military Department and Department of Public Safety to access the islands. indicepolitico.com · almomento.mx · columnadigital.com · jornadabc.com.mx · novini247.com · +7 more
- [● 27 SOURCES] The 1970 Boundary Treaty establishes the border at the center of the Rio Bravo's normal channel. xeu.mx · estamosaqui.mx · indicepolitico.com · almomento.mx · columnadigital.com · +21 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] The Texas GLO has not confirmed criminal activity on these nine islands. indicepolitico.com · jornadabc.com.mx · eldiariodechihuahua.mx · www.expreso.com.mx · www.poderycritica.com · +2 more