Border Patrol expanding search-and-rescue teams

Many bodies found in weed-choked irrigation canals

The expansion follows a spike in drownings in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas.

At least 16 immigrants have drowned in the area over the last six months.

Officials say immigrants are choosing more dangerous crossings into South Texas to avoid detection.

Many of the bodies have been found in weed-choked irrigation canals that feed into the Rio Grande.