The Bexar County DA’s office posted the photo showing the damage to the memorial. Credit: Facebook / Bexar County District Attorney's Office

Vandals struck a roadside memorial in Southwest San Antonio honoring the 53 migrants who died of heat-related causes inside an abandoned tractor-trailer in 2022, according to local authorities.

“We are deeply saddened and outraged by the hateful act of vandalism committed against a memorial honoring the 53 migrants who tragically lost their lives here in San Antonio,” the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office said in a Saturday social media post that shows capsized and broken crosses along Quintana Road.

“The memorial stood as a symbol of our city’s commitment to remembering those who have suffered. To tear it down is not only an act of disrespect, but also undermines our city’s values, which are rooted in culture and diversity. Acts of hate and discrimination have no place in our city, and we will not tolerate such behavior.”

The vandalism is believed to have happened between 11 p.m. Friday and 8:45 a.m. Saturday, KSAT reports, citing a San Antonio police report. The damage appears intentional because all the crosses at the site were knocked over from the same direction, the document also states.

Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales told KSAT he plans to charge those responsible with a hate crime. He added that his office could bring 53 separate charges of criminal mischief against the perpetrators — one for each cross vandalized at the memorial.

“It’s tragic that we have to experience this, it’s tragic that the family members have to go through this and see the horrible result of this kind of vandalism and this kind of horrible act,” Gonzales told the TV station.

As of Saturday, members of the community, including Gonzales, Mayor Ron Nirenberg and District 4 Councilwoman Adriana Rocha Garcia, were at the memorial site helping restore the crosses, KSAT also reports.

Police ask that anyone with tips related to the vandalism call (210) 207-7273.

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This article appears in Mar 19 – Apr 1, 2025.

Sanford Nowlin is editor-in-chief of the San Antonio Current. He holds degrees from Trinity University and the University of Texas at San Antonio, and his work has been featured in Salon, Alternet, Creative...