Danger crossing

Doomed attempt

Most migrants use "coyotes" — smugglers. Rossanna and Widman traveled with Alfredo, Rossanna's father, who paid coyotes to take them across Mexico.

In the early evening of Feb 24, the three approached the river at Piedras Negras carrying their belongings, accompanied by a coyote and two other migrants.

Rossanna was the last of the group to enter the water. At first she was nervous but excited, and Widman smiled as he encouraged her. It soon became clear the current was strong and the group lost their footing and returned to the Mexican side.