MISSION, Texas (WBAP/KLIF News) – U.S. Border Patrol said four bodies have been found near the Rio Grande River in the Rio Grande Valley region near the Texas-Mexico border.
Hidalgo County Sheriff Eddie Guerra said the deceased are a woman in her early 20s, a toddler and two infants.
Their bodies were found southeast of the Anzalduas Park in the Las Paloma Wildlife Area.
According to the Associated Press, authorities believe they may have been dead for several days before being discovered.
Officials said that area is a common route taken by migrants attempting to enter the country illegally.
Sheriff Guerra said the FBI will be taking the lead on the case because the park is on federal land.
BREAKING NEWS: Deputies are on scene by the river SE of the Anzalduas Park in Las Paloma Wildlife Management Area where Border Patrol agents located 4 deceased bodies. Bodies appear to be 2 infants, a toddler and 20yoa female. Deputies are awaiting FBI agents who will be leading. pic.twitter.com/2qPCYDjZBu
— Sheriff Eddie Guerra (@SheriffGuerra) June 24, 2019
The identities of the group have not been released.
According to the U.S. Border Patrol, there have been 283 deaths across the southwest border sector in 2018.
Copyright 2019. WBAP/KLIF News. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.