Dozens of bright orange, wrecking ball-sized buoys have created a water barrier longer than a soccer field on a stretch of river where migrants often try crossing from Mexico.

The "balls" on the Rio Grande along the Texas-Mexico border are floating marine barriers installed as part of Operation Lone Star. These bright orange, wrecking ball-sized buoys are designed to deter migrants from attempting to cross the river in high-traffic "hotspots" like Eagle Pass. Each buoy is roughly four feet in diameter and is anchored to the riverbed, often featuring anti-climb mesh or "serrated" metal plates to prevent people from climbing over them. The barrier has been the subject of significant legal disputes; in 2026, the state of Texas continues to expand these barriers despite lawsuits from the U.S. Justice Department over environmental and navigation concerns. Proponents argue they are a low-cost, effective tool for border security, while critics highlight the humanitarian risks and potential for dangerous entanglement in the river's current.