In the last two years, the number of migrant deaths near the U.S.-Mexico border in New Mexico has increased significantly compared to five years ago. Smuggling gangs are leading migrants, mostly from Mexico and Central America, into treacherous terrains like the hot desert, canyons, and mountains west of El Paso, Texas.
During the first eight months of 2024, 108 presumed migrant bodies were found near the border in New Mexico, a stark rise from previous years. In 2023, 113 presumed migrant remains were discovered, compared to just nine in 2020 and ten in 2019. The cause of death in most cases is heat-related, as confirmed by autopsies conducted by the University of New Mexico’s Office of the Medical Investigator.
The surge in deaths has strained resources, leading to the addition of deputy medical investigators to handle the increased workload. The migration corridor in eastern New Mexico has seen a rise in fatalities, prompting efforts to address the humanitarian crisis.
New Mexico officials are cracking down on human-smuggling networks, with recent arrests and rescues of trafficking victims. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has enhanced surveillance in the region, deploying a blimp and radar-equipped towers to monitor the migration corridor.
Border Patrol has intensified search and rescue operations, responding to nearly 1,000 migrant rescues in New Mexico and western Texas over the past year. The rising deaths are attributed to factors like harsh treatment by smugglers, dangerous routes, and extreme summer temperatures exacerbated by climate change.
Efforts by advocacy groups, faith-based organizations, and law enforcement aim to mitigate the crisis, including the placement of emergency beacons, water stations, and increased patrols. Despite a decrease in overall border crossings, migrant deaths persist, underscoring the urgency of addressing the root causes driving migrants to undertake perilous journeys.
The tragic toll of migrant deaths in New Mexico underscores the need for comprehensive solutions to prevent further loss of life and uphold humanitarian values in border management.
