In New Mexico, the number of migrants who died near the US-Mexico border has surged dramatically, with ten times more fatalities reported in the past two years compared to five years ago.
Between January and August 2024, 108 presumed migrant bodies, primarily from Mexico and Central America, were discovered in the area, many within 10 miles of El Paso.
This rise is stark compared to previous years, where only nine and ten bodies were found in 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Experts suggest that increased deaths may be due to smugglers adopting harsher treatment and directing migrants along more perilous routes during extreme summer heat.
The University of New Mexico’s medical investigator office is under strain from the rising number of cases, with nearly all deaths attributed to heat-related causes.
Experts cite harsher smuggling practices and extreme temperatures as key factors in rising fatalities.Heather Edgar, a forensic anthropologist with the office, expressed shock at the drastic increase in fatalities.
As immigration remains a key issue in the upcoming presidential election, the situation presents significant humanitarian concerns, with many bodies found alarmingly close to urban areas.
Analysts like Adam Isacson emphasize the need for improved water stations and rescue efforts to combat this crisis.
In response, US Customs and Border Protection has ramped up monitoring efforts, including surveillance blimps and mobile radar towers, while expanding search and rescue operations.
Civilians, too, are responding, with groups like the Hope Border Institute distributing water in deadly corridors.
This year has seen record-high temperatures in the El Paso area, exacerbating the challenges faced by migrants who often embark on treacherous journeys without adequate food or water.
As migration decreases overall, New Mexico’s death toll now rivals that of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert, underscoring the urgent need for effective humanitarian measures.