Hundreds of Crosses Removed from Border Death Memorial


EAGLE PASS, Texas – In a heartfelt tribute to migrants who lost their lives crossing the southern U.S. border, the Eagle Pass Border Coalition hosted a closing vigil for The Cross Memorial on Saturday. The memorial, located at Shelby Park, honored 600 lives lost in 2024 with white wooden crosses.

"It was an emotional and moving experience walking among the 600 crosses representing people who died either trying to swim the river or in the wilderness," said Border Vigil co-founder Mike Garcia. "Each cross represents a life lost—pink-tipped for girls, blue-tipped for boys—and it’s heartbreaking to think about the families who still don’t know what happened to their loved ones."

The vigil stood from December 14, 2024, to January 11, 2025, with each cross representing a migrant who died last year. Silent contemplation followed the display, providing a space for reflection and remembrance.

Juanita Martinez, a lifelong Eagle Pass resident, expressed her gratitude to the coalition. "Prayers as we move forward to shed light on what’s happening here and remember the injustice and inhumane policies. We must never forget the lives lost and the struggles faced at our southern border."

Ana Guardiola, director of Ballet Folklorico de Las Aguilas, shared her emotions about the tribute. "It’s devastating to see so many lives lost reaching for the American dream. These were human beings with hopes and needs, and their sacrifices shouldn’t go unnoticed."

The Eagle Pass Border Coalition thanked the community and participants for supporting the memorial. The next vigil hosted by the Border Vigil will take place on February 3, 2025, at 5:45 p.m. in Shelby Park.