WESLACO – The U.S. Border Patrol is working hand in hand with other agencies to positively identify remains believed to be those of migrants who died on their journey north.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Missing Migrant Program is working to identify remains in Tres Norias.

Making a positive ID takes a collaborative effort with consulates and academic institutions.

On Friday, Border Patrol described the scene of an exhumation which took place earlier this month. Agents were on site in support of Texas State University’s Operation I.D.

The group worked to exhume remains believed to be those of decreased migrants on a private cemetery.

El Salvador and Guatemala consulate representatives were on site as well.

Border Patrol operations officer Hugo Vera says in a statement:

“The goal remains unchanged; bringing reunification to those families that have a loved one missing and who have perhaps died while traveling illegally to the United States.”

The next step is using DNA analysis to make a positive identification. Vega says it can take up to several months.

You can count on us to follow this story as it unfolds.