Rise in migrant deaths as 19 bodies found along Arizona border last month
Pima county figures show highest number of monthly migrant deaths in two years as critics condemn US policy
TL;DR
- 19 migrant remains were recovered along the Arizona-Mexico border last month, the highest monthly death toll in the area since 2024.
- This brings the total number of migrant remains found this year to 73, surpassing the same period last year.
- Experts link the rise in deaths to U.S. policies that block asylum seekers and make legal entry difficult, forcing migrants onto dangerous routes.
- The most common causes of death are dehydration and exposure, with other factors including hypothermia and blunt force trauma.
- Estimates suggest the true number of migrant deaths could be up to four times higher than reported remains.
- Policies like 'prevention through deterrence' implemented since 1994 have pushed migrants into perilous areas like the Arizona desert.
- Despite a drop in border 'encounters,' the journey remains more lethal for those attempting to cross.