At least eight migrants drowned while attempting to cross Rio Grande river&nbsp;in particularly swift currents following heavy rains while trying to reach the United States, officials said.&nbsp;Over 90 others were rescued.&nbsp;

The migrants were among scores of people crossing the river near Eagle Pass, a town in southern Texas that has become a major entry point for migrants in the last year, reports The New York Times.

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Mexican officials said they found a large group of people unconscious after attempting to cross the swollen river following days of heavy rains.

US officials recovered six bodies, while Mexican teams found two others, CBP said in a statement.

US&nbsp;officials rescued 37 others from the river and detained 16 more, while Mexican officials took 39 migrants into custody. Officials on both sides of the border continue searching for any possible victims, the CBP said.

US officials detained 53 migrants, while Mexican officials took 39 into custody.

Officials from both sides said that they are searching for any possible victims.

So far it is unclear as to which country or countries the migrants belonged to as the officials did not provide any additional information.

The Del Rio region, including Eagle pass, sees a hub of illegal crossings and is fast emerging to be the busiest corridor for human trafficking.

Crossing the Río Grande river, which extends 245 miles (395 kilometres), is considered&nbsp; very dangerous because river currents can be deceptively fast and change quickly. Crossing the river can be challenging even for strong swimmers.

So far, the officials have thwarted migrants nearly 50,000 times in the sector in July, with Rio Grande Valley a distant second at about 35,000.

About 6 of 10 illegal crossings were migrants from Venezuela, Cuba or Nicaragua, according to reports.

(With inputs from agencies)

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At least eight migrants drowned while attempting to cross Rio Grande river in particularly swift currents following heavy rains while trying to reach the United States, officials said.

At least eight migrants drowned while attempting to cross Rio Grande river in particularly swift currents following heavy rains while trying to reach the United States, officials said. Over 90 others were rescued. The migrants were among scores of people crossing the river near Eagle Pass, a town in southern Texas that has become a major entry point for migrants in the last year, reports The New York Times. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Mexican officials said they found a large group of people unconscious after attempting to cross the swollen river following days of heavy rains. US officials recovered six bodies, while Mexican teams found two others, CBP said in a statement. US officials rescued 37 others from the river and detained 16 more, while Mexican officials took 39 migrants into custody. Officials on both sides of the border continue searching for any possible victims, the CBP said. US officials detained 53 migrants, while Mexican officials took 39 into custody. Officials from both sides said that they are searching for any possible victims. So far it is unclear as to which country or countries the migrants belonged to as the officials did not provide any additional information. The Del Rio region, including Eagle pass, sees a hub of illegal crossings and is fast emerging to be the busiest corridor for human trafficking. Crossing the Río Grande river, which extends 245 miles (395 kilometres), is considered very dangerous because river currents can be deceptively fast and change quickly. Crossing the river can be challenging even for strong swimmers. So far, the officials have thwarted migrants nearly 50,000 times in the sector in July, with Rio Grande Valley a distant second at about 35,000. About 6 of 10 illegal crossings were migrants from Venezuela, Cuba or Nicaragua, according to reports. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Eight migrants dead, 92 rescued while attempting to illegally enter US

Despite UK government's plan to deport illegal migrants to Rwanda, number of people crossing the English Channel to make their way to Britain has not dropped. Around 1300 migrants crossed the English Channel in small boats on Monday.

English Channel migrant crossings hit new 24-hour record

UK sees record migrant crossings despite Rwanda plan

An air and sea rescue operation was underway Wednesday after around 50 people went missing when a migrant boat sank in the Aegean Sea, the Greek coastguard said.

The vessel foundered at dawn off the islands of Karpathos and Rhodes after setting sail on Tuesday from Antalya, southern Turkey, heading for Italy.

"According to the statements of 29 rescued people, there were 80 people on the boat, so up to 50 people are missing," a coastguard press office official told AFP.

But state television channel ERT said the number of people on board had been between 30 and 60.

Coastguard spokesman Nikos Kokalas told the channel: "It's not possible that the boat could have been transferring 80 migrants. We are talking about a lower number."

The rescue effort, ordered by merchant shipping minister Yannis Plakiotakis, according to a coastguard statement, included four vessels already sailing in the southern Aegean, two coastguard patrol boats and a Greek air force helicopter.

Strong winds of up to 50 kilometres per hour (30 mph) were hampering the operation, Kokalas told Skai radio.

"Many of those shipwrecked were not wearing life-jackets," Kokalas said.

A video posted by the coastguard showed an army helicopter rescuing two survivors from the sea and transferring them to Karpathos.

Another 27 people were transferred to land aboard a tanker that joined the search off the island of Kos, said the coastguard.

Dozens of deaths&nbsp;

Although the migrant boat appears to have been trying to get to Italy,&nbsp;Greece&nbsp;is often the country of choice for people fleeing Africa and the Middle East to try to reach a better life in the European Union.

Thousands come to&nbsp;Greece&nbsp;via Turkey over the narrow and perilous sea crossing separating the traditional enemies.

Sixty-four people have perished in the eastern Mediterranean since January, the International Organization for Migration says.

Eight people died off the Greek island of Mykonos on June 19 when 108 more were rescued, according to the UN migration body.

The Greek coastguard on Sunday said 122 migrants were rescued near Rhodes after their vessel ran into trouble after sailing from Turkey.

Athens says migrant arrival numbers have climbed this year and accuses Ankara of not doing enough to stop smugglers from sending them across the border -- often in flimsy boats that make for dangerous journeys.

Turkey pledged under a 2016 deal to cut migrant numbers leaving its shores in return for financial aid from the European Union.

At the end of June, the EU urged Ankara to halt "violent and illegal expulsions" from its territory.

Charity groups and media accuse Athens of illegally turning back migrants, a charge&nbsp;Greece's conservative Greek government has denied.

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An air and sea rescue operation was underway Wednesday after around 50 people went missing when a migrant boat sank in the Aegean Sea, the Greek coastguard said.

An air and sea rescue operation was underway Wednesday after around 50 people went missing when a migrant boat sank in the Aegean Sea, the Greek coastguard said. The vessel foundered at dawn off the islands of Karpathos and Rhodes after setting sail on Tuesday from Antalya, southern Turkey, heading for Italy. "According to the statements of 29 rescued people, there were 80 people on the boat, so up to 50 people are missing," a coastguard press office official told AFP. But state television channel ERT said the number of people on board had been between 30 and 60. Coastguard spokesman Nikos Kokalas told the channel: "It's not possible that the boat could have been transferring 80 migrants. We are talking about a lower number." The rescue effort, ordered by merchant shipping minister Yannis Plakiotakis, according to a coastguard statement, included four vessels already sailing in the southern Aegean, two coastguard patrol boats and a Greek air force helicopter. Strong winds of up to 50 kilometres per hour (30 mph) were hampering the operation, Kokalas told Skai radio. "Many of those shipwrecked were not wearing life-jackets," Kokalas said. A video posted by the coastguard showed an army helicopter rescuing two survivors from the sea and transferring them to Karpathos. Another 27 people were transferred to land aboard a tanker that joined the search off the island of Kos, said the coastguard. Dozens of deaths Although the migrant boat appears to have been trying to get to Italy, Greece is often the country of choice for people fleeing Africa and the Middle East to try to reach a better life in the European Union. Thousands come to Greece via Turkey over the narrow and perilous sea crossing separating the traditional enemies. Sixty-four people have perished in the eastern Mediterranean since January, the International Organization for Migration says. Eight people died off the Greek island of Mykonos on June 19 when 108 more were rescued, according to the UN migration body. The Greek coastguard on Sunday said 122 migrants were rescued near Rhodes after their vessel ran into trouble after sailing from Turkey. Athens says migrant arrival numbers have climbed this year and accuses Ankara of not doing enough to stop smugglers from sending them across the border -- often in flimsy boats that make for dangerous journeys. Turkey pledged under a 2016 deal to cut migrant numbers leaving its shores in return for financial aid from the European Union. At the end of June, the EU urged Ankara to halt "violent and illegal expulsions" from its territory. Charity groups and media accuse Athens of illegally turning back migrants, a charge Greece's conservative Greek government has denied. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Up to 50 missing after migrant boat sinks off Greece

According to the latest figures, over 18,000 migrants have already crossed the UK border and the numbers are expected to rise even further in the coming months due to warm weather and calm winds at the sea.

UK government faces flak for attending to migrant crisis

The bus carrying 50 migrants has arrived in New York City. Volunteers will help migrants find shelter. These migrants came from Texas.

The first bus carrying 50 migrants arrives in NYC: Volunteers help migrants find shelter

D.C. Mayor has decided to help undocumented migrants as they arrive from Texas and Arizona. Meanwhile, migrants protest against Biden's border policies.

D.C. Mayor to help undocumented migrants as they arrive from Texas and Arizona

The capital city of Washington DC is swarming with undocumented migrants who have arrived from the southern border states of Texas and Arizona. The influx of over 4,800 migrants has prompted DC's Mayor Muriel Bowser to call the situation a 'humanitarian crisis' that had brought the district to a 'tipping point'.

"The pace of arriving buses and the volume of arrivals have reached tipping points. Our collective response and service efforts have now become overwhelmed." wrote Bowser in a letter to President Joe Biden.&nbsp;

While city council members and migrant NGOs have asked the Democrat Mayor to devote city funds to the reception effort, she has refused saying that the federal government must step up.&nbsp;

With the situation turning worrisome with the arrival of buses, the district is running out of resources to manage the migrants.

Moreover, the security problems arising due to the migration crisis have forced Bowser to request for the National Guards. Reportedly Washington DC does not have its own guards and will have to rely on other states to offer their&nbsp;guardsmen.&nbsp;

Texas and Arizona have been sending migrant buses

Reportedly, Greg Abbott and Doug Ducey, governors of Texas and Arizona respectively, sent the migrants in buses over the course of the last few weeks to DC to show the Democrat hierarchy that illegal migration was a big problem in the southern states.&nbsp;

The influx of aliens into the soil of the United States, especially from the neighbouring country of Mexico is something which the Joe Biden administration has been unwilling and unable to manage.

The Republicans have grown restive over the reluctance of the Democrat regime in the White Huse and thus, they have taken matters into their own hands to make their voices heard.&nbsp;

"Texas should not have to bear the burden of the Biden administration’s failure to secure our border." Republican governor Abbott had remarked.&nbsp;

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/texas-migrant-deaths-vehicles-driver-claims-he-was-not-aware-air-condition-was-not-working-493823">Texas migrant deaths: Vehicle`s driver claims he was not aware air condition was not working</a>

A record 239,000 undocumented migrants were detained crossing into the country from Mexico in May.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The capital city of Washington DC is swarming with undocumented migrants who have arrived from the southern border states of Texas and Arizona. The influx of over 4,800 migrants has prompted DC's Mayor Muriel Bowser to call the situation a 'humanitarian crisis' that had brought the district to a 'tipping point'.

The capital city of Washington DC is swarming with undocumented migrants who have arrived from the southern border states of Texas and Arizona. The influx of over 4,800 migrants has prompted DC's Mayor Muriel Bowser to call the situation a 'humanitarian crisis' that had brought the district to a 'tipping point'. "The pace of arriving buses and the volume of arrivals have reached tipping points. Our collective response and service efforts have now become overwhelmed." wrote Bowser in a letter to President Joe Biden. While city council members and migrant NGOs have asked the Democrat Mayor to devote city funds to the reception effort, she has refused saying that the federal government must step up. With the situation turning worrisome with the arrival of buses, the district is running out of resources to manage the migrants. Moreover, the security problems arising due to the migration crisis have forced Bowser to request for the National Guards. Reportedly Washington DC does not have its own guards and will have to rely on other states to offer their guardsmen. Texas and Arizona have been sending migrant buses Reportedly, Greg Abbott and Doug Ducey, governors of Texas and Arizona respectively, sent the migrants in buses over the course of the last few weeks to DC to show the Democrat hierarchy that illegal migration was a big problem in the southern states. The influx of aliens into the soil of the United States, especially from the neighbouring country of Mexico is something which the Joe Biden administration has been unwilling and unable to manage. The Republicans have grown restive over the reluctance of the Democrat regime in the White Huse and thus, they have taken matters into their own hands to make their voices heard. "Texas should not have to bear the burden of the Biden administration’s failure to secure our border." Republican governor Abbott had remarked. Read More: Texas migrant deaths: Vehicle`s driver claims he was not aware air condition was not working A record 239,000 undocumented migrants were detained crossing into the country from Mexico in May. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

Washington DC overburdened with migrants; mayor says it has reached a 'tipping point'

At least 17 suspected migrants from Haiti are confirmed after a boat capsized off the coast of The Bahamas, the authorities of both countries revealed.&nbsp;

A statement tweeted by Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis read: "Rescue teams recovered 17 bodies from the water -- 15 women, one man and one infant."&nbsp;

Davis further said that the authorities believe they were on a speedboat heading for Miami. It is believed that the vessel capsized in rough seas, the Bahamian PM added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-ukraine-conflict-in-mind-taiwan-stages-chinese-invasion-war-games-500500">With Ukraine conflict in mind, Taiwan stages Chinese invasion war games</a>&nbsp;

News agencies have reported that the Bahamas — a group of islands near the coast of the US state of Florida is said to be used used by human smugglers.&nbsp;

It is used as a jumping-off point for the potentially treacherous sea journey for Haitians seeking to reach the United States.&nbsp;

Bahamian Prime Minister's statement also added that another 25 people were rescued and placed in the care of health officials. Search and rescue missions are underway as at least one person is still missing.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/record-number-of-covid-hit-australians-in-hospital-as-omicron-surges-500502">Australia registers record number of COVID-19 cases as Omicron surges</a>&nbsp;

On the other hand, a report by Reuters mentioned that Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander said up to 60 people may have been on board and more people were presumed missing.&nbsp;

Two people were taken into custody over the suspected human smuggling operation, the Bahamian authorities stated. Both were from the Bahamas.&nbsp;

Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry tweeted: "This new tragedy saddens the entire nation. I call once again for national reconciliation to solve the problems that make our brothers, sisters and children flee from our land."&nbsp;

The initial probe suggested that a speed boat left New Providence, the most populous island in the Bahamian archipelago, around 1:00am (local time) on Sunday. It is believed that the boat capsized in the rough water, 11 kilometres off the coast of the island.&nbsp;

About 60 people were onboard the boat which was believed to be destined for Miami, Florida.&nbsp;

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At least 17 suspected migrants from Haiti are confirmed after a boat capsized off the coast of The Bahamas, the authorities of both countries revealed. A statement tweeted by Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis read: "Rescue teams recovered 17 bodies from the water -- 15 women, one man and one infant.

At least 17 suspected migrants from Haiti are confirmed after a boat capsized off the coast of The Bahamas, the authorities of both countries revealed. A statement tweeted by Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis read: "Rescue teams recovered 17 bodies from the water -- 15 women, one man and one infant." Davis further said that the authorities believe they were on a speedboat heading for Miami. It is believed that the vessel capsized in rough seas, the Bahamian PM added. ALSO READ | With Ukraine conflict in mind, Taiwan stages Chinese invasion war games News agencies have reported that the Bahamas — a group of islands near the coast of the US state of Florida is said to be used used by human smugglers. It is used as a jumping-off point for the potentially treacherous sea journey for Haitians seeking to reach the United States. Bahamian Prime Minister's statement also added that another 25 people were rescued and placed in the care of health officials. Search and rescue missions are underway as at least one person is still missing. ALSO READ | Australia registers record number of COVID-19 cases as Omicron surges On the other hand, a report by Reuters mentioned that Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander said up to 60 people may have been on board and more people were presumed missing. Two people were taken into custody over the suspected human smuggling operation, the Bahamian authorities stated. Both were from the Bahamas. Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry tweeted: "This new tragedy saddens the entire nation. I call once again for national reconciliation to solve the problems that make our brothers, sisters and children flee from our land." The initial probe suggested that a speed boat left New Providence, the most populous island in the Bahamian archipelago, around 1:00am (local time) on Sunday. It is believed that the boat capsized in the rough water, 11 kilometres off the coast of the island. About 60 people were onboard the boat which was believed to be destined for Miami, Florida. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

At least 17 suspected Haitian migrants die off Bahamas coast after boat capsizes

Sunday has been a day of rescues in the Mediterranean sea as the Italian Coast Guard along with European charities such as Sea-Watch and SOS Mediterannee rescued over 1,100 migrants, adrift near the Libyan coast and other places.

Sunday has been a day of rescues in the Mediterranean sea as the Italian Coast Guard along with European charities such as Sea-Watch and SOS Mediterannee rescued over 1,100 migrants, adrift near the Libyan coast and other places. Reportedly, three Coast Guard patrol boats, a financial boat and a Navy mercantile ship conducted the rescue operation from the middle of the sea, approximately 190 kilometres off the coast of Calabria. The rescued were later brought to the Italian ports of Sicily and Calabria. According to the Navy, five had died but the cause of the death was still unknown. Meanwhile, the German charity Sea-Watch and its Sea-Watch 3 vessel, famous for conducting such rescue operations also managed to protect 444 migrants who were trying to cross the Sea on overcrowded small boats. SOS Mediterannee, with the help of its Ocean Viking ship, conducted the search and rescue operation near the Libyan coast. Reportedly, 87 migrants, including 57 minors without any parents were rescued. None of them had any kind of life jackets for protection. According to Italy Navy, while some migrants were attempting to flee to Europe in search of a better life and opportunities, others were fleeing conflict, violence or persecution. Migrants and their attempts to enter Europe increase during the Summer months as better weather allows the migrants to hop on the dangerous boats, which otherwise get capsized in the rough weather. According to a United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) report, 3,231 migrants had died or gone missing whilst undertaking the treacherous sea journey. The report showed that in 2021, 1,924 people were reported dead or missing on the Central and Western Mediterranean routes, while another 1,153 perished on the North African maritime route to the Canary Islands. Read More: Over 3,000 migrants lost at sea trying to reach Europe in 2021: UN Dubbing the situation a 'largely overlooked tragedy', UN appealed the international community for increased humanitarian assistance, support and solutions. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Italian Coast Guard and charities rescue 1,100 migrants in the Mediterranean sea; 5 found dead

South Africa is no stranger to xenophobic incidences. Time and again foreign nationals mainly from other parts of Africa have borne the brunt. Yeoville market in Johannesburg, which is one of the busiest market was recently attacked and shops owned by foreign nationals were burnt down. Our correspondent from South Africa Kalden Ongmu bring you a ground report on widening fault lines between the natives and the migrants.

World Of Africa: Migrants face the 'heat of hate'

Migrants continue to cross the Rio Grande River between the United States and Mexico. The Eagle Pass area has become an increasingly popular crossing corridor for migrants.

Migrants continue to cross Rio Grande river to enter US illegally

Thousands of undocumented migrants are struggling to find a home in France. Undocumented Asylum seekers in France have no right to work. WION tells you more in this report.

Asylum seekers in France struggle to receive residence permit

Thousands of undocumented migrants are struggling to find a home in France. Undocumented Asylum seekers in France have no right to work and unlike normal citizens they don't have a driver's license.

France: Asylum seekers struggle to receive residence permit

For the migrants, desperation outweighs fear and thousands crossed the Rio Grande river only to enter eagle pass with nothing but a barrage and baggage of physical and emotional wounds.

WION Fineprint | Migrants' desperation outweighs fear on US border

At least 23 migrants died last week near the Moroccan border as migrants attempted to scale the border fence. The incident had spark protests in Spain and the Moroccan capital of Rabat.

WION Fineprint | Demonstrators gather outside the parliament in Rabat

The man suspected to be driver of the truck packed with dozens of migrants who died in sweltering heat during smuggling attempt in Texas was charged in US federal court on Wednesday with human trafficking charges. An accused conspirator faces the same charge. Each of them faces a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted. There is even a possibility of death penalty. The migrant trafficking incident has been the deadliest such incident on record in the US. The death toll in the incident rose to 53 on Wednesday. The truck carried migrants from Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador. The truck was found abandoned on Monday in desolate, industrial area near a highway on outskirts of San Antonio, Texas.

The temperatures in the area on that day had soared to 103 Fahrenheit (39.4 Celsius). Officials who arrived at the scene did not find any water supply or even signs of working air-conditioning inside the vehicle.

Officials described finding the rear door to the trailer ajar with "stacks of bodies" inside, many of them hot to the touch. Other victims were discovered on the ground nearby, some deceased, some incapacitated. It was not made clear from official accounts how the door opened.

According to radio dispatch audio from authorities who were first on the scene, no one inside the trailer was conscious and only about a dozen appeared at first to be breathing.

The truck's alleged driver, Homero Zamorano Jr, 45, a Texas native who was arrested near the scene, was charged in a criminal complaint with one count of "alien smuggling resulting in death," according to the Justice Department.

San Antonio police officers found Zamorano hiding in the brush, according to federal prosecutors. Francisco Garduno, head of Mexico's National Migration Institute, told a news conference earlier on Wednesday the driver had "tried to pass himself off as one of the survivors" when he was detained.

A second suspect, Christian Martinez, 28, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with a single count of "conspiracy to transport illegal aliens," the Justice Department said in its statement. His nationality was not immediately revealed.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The man suspected to be driver of the truck packed with dozens of migrants who died in sweltering heat during smuggling attempt in Texas was charged in US federal court on Wednesday with human trafficking charges.

The man suspected to be driver of the truck packed with dozens of migrants who died in sweltering heat during smuggling attempt in Texas was charged in US federal court on Wednesday with human trafficking charges. An accused conspirator faces the same charge. Each of them faces a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted. There is even a possibility of death penalty. The migrant trafficking incident has been the deadliest such incident on record in the US. The death toll in the incident rose to 53 on Wednesday. The truck carried migrants from Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador. The truck was found abandoned on Monday in desolate, industrial area near a highway on outskirts of San Antonio, Texas. The temperatures in the area on that day had soared to 103 Fahrenheit (39.4 Celsius). Officials who arrived at the scene did not find any water supply or even signs of working air-conditioning inside the vehicle. Officials described finding the rear door to the trailer ajar with "stacks of bodies" inside, many of them hot to the touch. Other victims were discovered on the ground nearby, some deceased, some incapacitated. It was not made clear from official accounts how the door opened. According to radio dispatch audio from authorities who were first on the scene, no one inside the trailer was conscious and only about a dozen appeared at first to be breathing. The truck's alleged driver, Homero Zamorano Jr, 45, a Texas native who was arrested near the scene, was charged in a criminal complaint with one count of "alien smuggling resulting in death," according to the Justice Department. San Antonio police officers found Zamorano hiding in the brush, according to federal prosecutors. Francisco Garduno, head of Mexico's National Migration Institute, told a news conference earlier on Wednesday the driver had "tried to pass himself off as one of the survivors" when he was detained. A second suspect, Christian Martinez, 28, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with a single count of "conspiracy to transport illegal aliens," the Justice Department said in its statement. His nationality was not immediately revealed. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Texas: Deadly truck smuggling incident sees two more men facing charges

The families of the migrants who lost their lives in the back of a tractor-trailer in Texas are undergoing the agony of not knowing the fate of their relatives. WION tells you more in this report.

Texas Migrant Tragedy: Some families have received grim news about their loved ones

50 migrants were found dead inside an abandoned truck in Texas. Authorities said they were trapped inside with no water or air. While many people are blaming smugglers for this tragedy, Palki Sharma tells you why America's chequered past in Latin America is equally responsible.

Gravitas: 50 migrants found dead inside truck in Texas

Two Mexicans nationals have been charged in the U.S. Federal court for the death of 51 migrants inside an overheated tractor-trailer truck found abandoned in Texas.

Texas: Two Mexicans charged after death of 51 migrants in the back of tractor-trailer

Spain is shifting its foreign policy towards Africa while lobbying the EU and NATO for support to address migration from the continent, aggravated by the Ukraine invasion.

Spain lobbies NATO, allies over Ukraine-driven migration

At least 46 migrants have been found dead and 16 others were taken to hospitals after a tractor trailer containing suspected migrants was found Monday in South Texas.

US: 46 migrants found dead in presumed smuggling attempt with truck in Texas

In pics: Over 400 migrants storm border fence in Spain's Melilla enclave

Morocco said 18 migrants died trying to cross into Spain's North African enclave of Melilla, after a violent two-hour skirmish between migrants and border officers that also led to scores of injuries.

18 migrants die in mass attempt to reach Spain's Melilla

Britain's government overcame a legal challenge to its controversial policy to begin deporting asylum seekers to&nbsp;Rwanda&nbsp;as the High Court dismissed campaigners' attempts to win an injunction and said the first flight could leave next week.

Charities and a trade union had launched a challenge earlier this week against the government's plan to send asylum seekers to the East African nation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/campaigners-urge-commonwealth-to-press-rwanda-on-human-rights-487001">Campaigners urge Commonwealth to press Rwanda on human rights</a>

Judge Jonathan Swift on Friday refused to block the removal of Iraqi and Syrian asylum seekers and denied an injunction to bar the first flight to&nbsp;Rwanda&nbsp;on Tuesday.

"There is a material public interest in the Home Secretary (Priti Patel) being able to implement immigration decisions," Swift said.

He said some of the risks facing the deported asylum seekers outlined by the charities were small and "in the realms of speculation".

The decision is a victory for Prime Minister Boris Johnson four days after he faced the threat of being removed by some of his lawmakers. He has said the plan would undermine people-smuggling networks and stem the flow of migrants risking their lives by crossing the English Channel in small boats from Europe.

Watch | UK to&nbsp;deport asylum-seekers to&nbsp;Rwanda: UNHCR accuses the UK&nbsp;of-being-dishonest

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But Friday's ruling is only an initial and partial victory because the court granted human rights groups permission to appeal the decision to the Court of Appeal, and individual legal appeals have been submitted against the government.

The High Court will also hear a judicial review before the end of July, which could block the government's plans.

Johnson welcomed the court's decision.

"We cannot allow people traffickers to put lives at risk and our world-leading partnership will help break the business model of these ruthless criminals," he said. Britain and&nbsp;Rwanda&nbsp;struck a deal in April for the African country to accept the deportees.

SMALL BOAT CROSSINGS

The government's plan has led to an outcry from human rights groups, opposition lawmakers as well as some in Johnson's Conservative Party.

Rose Hudson-Wilkin, a senior leader in the Church of England who is based in Dover, where many of the migrants have arrived, said she felt "deeply ashamed" of the court's decision.

"It feels inhumane," she said.

About 30 asylum seekers have been selected for removal. During the hearing on Friday, the government agreed to drop the immediate deportation of at least five other people.

During the hearing, Raza Hussain, the lawyer acting for Care4Calais, Detention Action and the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), which represents civil servants in Britain's Home Office (interior ministry), said the scheme was unsafe and irrational.

Hussain said the government had made "misleading and inaccurate" claims that the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees had given it the green light, and that it was acting on false assurances about&nbsp;Rwanda's ability to offer protection to asylum seekers and process their claims.

Government lawyer Mathew Gullick said the criticisms and concerns were backward-looking, and did not reflect how the migrants would be treated. There was an "important public interest" in deterring illegal immigration, he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-home-secretary-priti-patels-rwanda-plan-is-working-says-report-481212">UK Home Secretary Priti Patel's Rwanda plan is 'working', says report</a>

Last year, more than 28,000 migrants and refugees made the crossing from mainland Europe to Britain. In November, 27 people drowned in the Channel when their small rubber dinghy deflated, and many others have needed to be rescued from the narrow seaway, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.

Under the government scheme, anyone who arrived in Britain illegally since Jan. 1 could be relocated to&nbsp;Rwanda.

The government hopes the plan will deter the Channel crossings, although more than 3,500 people have reached Britain in small boats since the middle of April, when the&nbsp;Rwanda&nbsp;scheme was unveiled, according to government figures.

Israel previously attempted a similar scheme to send asylum seekers to&nbsp;Rwanda. But in 2018 the Israeli Supreme Court blocked the policy, saying it was not compatible with the United Nations' refugee convention.

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Britain's government overcame a legal challenge to its controversial policy to begin deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda as the High Court dismissed campaigners' attempts to win an injunction and said the first flight could leave next week.

Britain's government overcame a legal challenge to its controversial policy to begin deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda as the High Court dismissed campaigners' attempts to win an injunction and said the first flight could leave next week. Charities and a trade union had launched a challenge earlier this week against the government's plan to send asylum seekers to the East African nation. Also read | Campaigners urge Commonwealth to press Rwanda on human rights Judge Jonathan Swift on Friday refused to block the removal of Iraqi and Syrian asylum seekers and denied an injunction to bar the first flight to Rwanda on Tuesday. "There is a material public interest in the Home Secretary (Priti Patel) being able to implement immigration decisions," Swift said. He said some of the risks facing the deported asylum seekers outlined by the charities were small and "in the realms of speculation". The decision is a victory for Prime Minister Boris Johnson four days after he faced the threat of being removed by some of his lawmakers. He has said the plan would undermine people-smuggling networks and stem the flow of migrants risking their lives by crossing the English Channel in small boats from Europe. Watch | UK to deport asylum-seekers to Rwanda: UNHCR accuses the UK of-being-dishonest But Friday's ruling is only an initial and partial victory because the court granted human rights groups permission to appeal the decision to the Court of Appeal, and individual legal appeals have been submitted against the government. The High Court will also hear a judicial review before the end of July, which could block the government's plans. Johnson welcomed the court's decision. "We cannot allow people traffickers to put lives at risk and our world-leading partnership will help break the business model of these ruthless criminals," he said. Britain and Rwanda struck a deal in April for the African country to accept the deportees. SMALL BOAT CROSSINGS The government's plan has led to an outcry from human rights groups, opposition lawmakers as well as some in Johnson's Conservative Party. Rose Hudson-Wilkin, a senior leader in the Church of England who is based in Dover, where many of the migrants have arrived, said she felt "deeply ashamed" of the court's decision. "It feels inhumane," she said. About 30 asylum seekers have been selected for removal. During the hearing on Friday, the government agreed to drop the immediate deportation of at least five other people. During the hearing, Raza Hussain, the lawyer acting for Care4Calais, Detention Action and the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), which represents civil servants in Britain's Home Office (interior ministry), said the scheme was unsafe and irrational. Hussain said the government had made "misleading and inaccurate" claims that the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees had given it the green light, and that it was acting on false assurances about Rwanda's ability to offer protection to asylum seekers and process their claims. Government lawyer Mathew Gullick said the criticisms and concerns were backward-looking, and did not reflect how the migrants would be treated. There was an "important public interest" in deterring illegal immigration, he said. Also read | UK Home Secretary Priti Patel's Rwanda plan is 'working', says report Last year, more than 28,000 migrants and refugees made the crossing from mainland Europe to Britain. In November, 27 people drowned in the Channel when their small rubber dinghy deflated, and many others have needed to be rescued from the narrow seaway, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. Under the government scheme, anyone who arrived in Britain illegally since Jan. 1 could be relocated to Rwanda. The government hopes the plan will deter the Channel crossings, although more than 3,500 people have reached Britain in small boats since the middle of April, when the Rwanda scheme was unveiled, according to government figures. Israel previously attempted a similar scheme to send asylum seekers to Rwanda. But in 2018 the Israeli Supreme Court blocked the policy, saying it was not compatible with the United Nations' refugee convention. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK's first flight taking migrants to Rwanda can go ahead, court rules

In the Arizona deserts, some migrants are spontaneously representing themselves to the US border patrol. Migrants from Peru, Mexico, Colombia are risking their lives to escape violence.

Migrants from Peru, Mexico, Colombia try to cross border to escape violence

More than 3,000 people died or went missing in the Mediterranean and Atlantic while trying to reach Europe last year — double the toll from 2020, the United Nations said Friday.

A new report from the UN refugee agency demanded urgent action to combat surging deaths among refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants trying to reach Europe.

The report showed a total of 3,077 people were lost while trying to cross the Mediterranean and Atlantic routes to the continent last year, up from 1,544 in 2020.

"Alarmingly, since the beginning of the year, an additional 478 people have died or gone missing at sea," UNHCR spokeswoman Shabia Mantoo told reporters in Geneva.

The report showed that in 2021, 1,924 people were reported dead or missing on the Central and Western Mediterranean routes, while another 1,153 perished on the North African maritime route to the Canary Islands.

"Most of the sea crossings took place in packed, unseaworthy, inflatable boats, many of which capsized or were deflated leading to the loss of life," Mantoo said.

The sea journey from countries on the West African coast such as Mauritania and Senegal to the Canary Islands was particularly perilous, she said, pointing out that the crossing could take up to 10 days.

"Many boats drifted off course or otherwise went missing without trace in these waters," she said.

The UNHCR report cautioned that land routes were also "highly dangerous".

Watch | Migrant boat capsizes of Lebanon, Lebanese officials rescue 50 migrants

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"Even greater numbers may have died on journeys through the Sahara Desert and remote border areas, in detention centres, or while in the captivity of smugglers or traffickers," Mantoo said.

UNHCR warned that the Covid-19 pandemic and related border closures had complicated movement further and had forced many desperate refugees and migrants to turn to smugglers to make their perilous journeys.

The UN agency also cautioned that political instability and conflicts, as well as climate change could increase such dangerous displacement going forward.

"UNHCR is appealing for support to help provide meaningful alternatives to these dangerous journeys and prevent people from becoming victims of traffickers," Mantoo said.

More than 3,000 people died or went missing in the Mediterranean and Atlantic while trying to reach Europe last year — double the toll from 2020, the United Nations said Friday.

More than 3,000 people died or went missing in the Mediterranean and Atlantic while trying to reach Europe last year — double the toll from 2020, the United Nations said Friday. A new report from the UN refugee agency demanded urgent action to combat surging deaths among refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants trying to reach Europe. The report showed a total of 3,077 people were lost while trying to cross the Mediterranean and Atlantic routes to the continent last year, up from 1,544 in 2020. "Alarmingly, since the beginning of the year, an additional 478 people have died or gone missing at sea," UNHCR spokeswoman Shabia Mantoo told reporters in Geneva. The report showed that in 2021, 1,924 people were reported dead or missing on the Central and Western Mediterranean routes, while another 1,153 perished on the North African maritime route to the Canary Islands. "Most of the sea crossings took place in packed, unseaworthy, inflatable boats, many of which capsized or were deflated leading to the loss of life," Mantoo said. The sea journey from countries on the West African coast such as Mauritania and Senegal to the Canary Islands was particularly perilous, she said, pointing out that the crossing could take up to 10 days. "Many boats drifted off course or otherwise went missing without trace in these waters," she said. The UNHCR report cautioned that land routes were also "highly dangerous". Watch | Migrant boat capsizes of Lebanon, Lebanese officials rescue 50 migrants "Even greater numbers may have died on journeys through the Sahara Desert and remote border areas, in detention centres, or while in the captivity of smugglers or traffickers," Mantoo said. UNHCR warned that the Covid-19 pandemic and related border closures had complicated movement further and had forced many desperate refugees and migrants to turn to smugglers to make their perilous journeys. The UN agency also cautioned that political instability and conflicts, as well as climate change could increase such dangerous displacement going forward. "UNHCR is appealing for support to help provide meaningful alternatives to these dangerous journeys and prevent people from becoming victims of traffickers," Mantoo said.

Over 3,000 migrants lost at sea trying to reach Europe in 2021: UN

Dozens of Nicaraguans are planning to migrate to the United States in anticipation of the dangerous crossing of the Rio Grande at the US border. Soon-to-be migrants are taking swimming lessons in the country.

Nicaraguans learn to swim to cross deadly Rio Grande at US border

A migrant boat carrying 60 sank off Lebanon. The army had closed off the port and allowing entry only to ambulances. Lebanese officials have rescued 50 migrants and the navy is looking for more survivors.

Migrant boat capsizes of Lebanon, Lebanese officials rescue 50 migrants

Since the disclosure of the UK government’s plan to send asylum-seekers off to Rwanda, harsh reactions have been pouring in from all quarters. &nbsp;

In the latest of the long list of condemnations, Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has said “sub-contracting out our responsibilities" to refugees cannot stand up to God's scrutiny, media reports said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-urbi-et-orbi-address-pope-francis-slams-russia-implicitly-over-ukraine-calls-to-observe-easter-of-war-471682" hreflang="en">Pope slams Russia implicitly over Ukraine, calls to observe 'Easter of war'</a>

In the Easter Sunday sermon at Canterbury Cathedral in southeast England, the Anglican church leader made the direct political intervention, which was unusual. &nbsp;

There are "serious ethical questions about sending asylum-seekers overseas. Sub-contracting out our responsibilities, even to a country that seeks to do well, like Rwanda, is the opposite of the nature of God, who himself took responsibility for our failures," Welby said. &nbsp;

“While the details are for politics and politicians, the principle must stand the judgment of God and it cannot," Welby added. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;UK-Rwanda sign new refugee deal, UN raises human rights concerns

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In a statement over the plan, the Home Office has said Britain had settled hundreds of thousands of refugees from around the world. &nbsp;

"However, the world is facing a global migration crisis on an unprecedented scale and change is needed to prevent vile people smugglers putting people's lives at risk and to fix the broken global asylum system,” it said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Since the disclosure of the UK government’s plan to send asylum-seekers off to Rwanda, harsh reactions have been pouring in from all quarters. In the latest of the long list of condemnations, Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has said “sub-contracting out our responsibilities" to refugees cannot stand up to God's scrutiny, media reports said.

Since the disclosure of the UK government’s plan to send asylum-seekers off to Rwanda, harsh reactions have been pouring in from all quarters. In the latest of the long list of condemnations, Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has said “sub-contracting out our responsibilities" to refugees cannot stand up to God's scrutiny, media reports said. Also Read: Pope slams Russia implicitly over Ukraine, calls to observe 'Easter of war' In the Easter Sunday sermon at Canterbury Cathedral in southeast England, the Anglican church leader made the direct political intervention, which was unusual. There are "serious ethical questions about sending asylum-seekers overseas. Sub-contracting out our responsibilities, even to a country that seeks to do well, like Rwanda, is the opposite of the nature of God, who himself took responsibility for our failures," Welby said. “While the details are for politics and politicians, the principle must stand the judgment of God and it cannot," Welby added. Watch: UK-Rwanda sign new refugee deal, UN raises human rights concerns × In a statement over the plan, the Home Office has said Britain had settled hundreds of thousands of refugees from around the world. "However, the world is facing a global migration crisis on an unprecedented scale and change is needed to prevent vile people smugglers putting people's lives at risk and to fix the broken global asylum system,” it said. (With inputs from agencies)

Archbishop of Canterbury slams UK’s Rwanda plan for migrants, says it is against God

A private firm handling immigration tasks for the UK’s Home Office has been accused of paying sex workers while deporting people abroad, The Guardian has reported.

The explosive revelation was made by five whistleblowers who claimed that the Home Office contractors regularly paid sex workers on overnight stopovers over a period of 10 years after accompanying migrants on flights from the UK.

The whistleblowers have named at least a dozen colleagues from the firm Mitie who were indulging in such an act for over a decade.

They alleged that this happened in cities including Nairobi in Kenya, Johannesburg in South Africa, Hanoi in Vietnam, Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and Bucharest in Romania.

Following the reveal, Home Office permanent secretary Matthew Rycroft has initiated a probe to look into the claims. He said that no incriminating evidence pertaining to such behaviour has been found so far.

Meanwhile, the government is facing heat from charities for allowing taxpayers’ “hard earned money” to be used for “predatory sex tourism”.

One Home Office contractor told the Guardian tht they had been shocked at what they had seen while escorting people overseas.

“On one job, two of us sat in the bar while three of the others in the team went off with [sex workers],” they said. “One had a phone which he called his ‘little black book’ specially for jobs abroad to arrange these liaisons.”

Amnesty International UK’s refugee and migrant rights director Steve Valdez-Symonds called on the Home Office to critically reassess its use of private contractors to carry out immigration tasks.

Meanwhile, Labour’s immigration spokesperson Stephen Kinnock described the reports as deeply disturbing and called on the Home Office to investigate the allegations immediately.

(With inputs from agencies)

A private firm handling immigration tasks for the UK’s Home Office has been accused of paying sex workers while deporting people abroad, The Guardian has reported.

A private firm handling immigration tasks for the UK’s Home Office has been accused of paying sex workers while deporting people abroad, The Guardian has reported. The explosive revelation was made by five whistleblowers who claimed that the Home Office contractors regularly paid sex workers on overnight stopovers over a period of 10 years after accompanying migrants on flights from the UK. The whistleblowers have named at least a dozen colleagues from the firm Mitie who were indulging in such an act for over a decade. They alleged that this happened in cities including Nairobi in Kenya, Johannesburg in South Africa, Hanoi in Vietnam, Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and Bucharest in Romania. Following the reveal, Home Office permanent secretary Matthew Rycroft has initiated a probe to look into the claims. He said that no incriminating evidence pertaining to such behaviour has been found so far. Meanwhile, the government is facing heat from charities for allowing taxpayers’ “hard earned money” to be used for “predatory sex tourism”. One Home Office contractor told the Guardian tht they had been shocked at what they had seen while escorting people overseas. “On one job, two of us sat in the bar while three of the others in the team went off with [sex workers],” they said. “One had a phone which he called his ‘little black book’ specially for jobs abroad to arrange these liaisons.” Amnesty International UK’s refugee and migrant rights director Steve Valdez-Symonds called on the Home Office to critically reassess its use of private contractors to carry out immigration tasks. Meanwhile, Labour’s immigration spokesperson Stephen Kinnock described the reports as deeply disturbing and called on the Home Office to investigate the allegations immediately. (With inputs from agencies)

UK firm handling immigration for govt accused of paying for sex while deporting migrants

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