El Paso County Commissioners raised concerns over the rising number of migrant deaths in the region, passing a resolution unanimously on Monday calling for more humane immigration policies.
More than 100 migrants have died in each of the past two years in the El Paso Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol that includes El Paso Hudspeth counties and all of southern New Mexico, according to data cited by commissioners. They said at the Monday meeting that people don't realize the extent of migrant deaths in the region.
The new resolution, brought forward by Commissioner David Stout, aims to address the issue by improving data collection and collaboration with local and national organizations.
"It's a very somber resolution and it saddens me that we even have this type of resolution to light," Stout said at the meeting. "[But] I don't think people understand how many migrants are dying in the El Paso Sector every year, and it's my hope this resolution helps us bring light to that and take future policy action."
Stout also added that U.S. immigration policy "doesn't allow enough people" into the country and makes those who qualify for lawful entry wait many years.
At the same time, aggressive enforcement in urban areas where asylum-seekers used to surrender is also placing many migrants in the hands of smugglers who try to get them across the border in dangerous desert, mountain and canal areas, according to Border Report.
"It's tough to say, but the United States continuously and knowingly is killing immigrants. I know it's a very shocking statement but it's the reality of the current state of federal and state policy and practices," Stout said.
Other attendees in the meeting seemed to agree with Stout's statement. For instance, Rev. Arturo Bañuelas, chair emeritus of the Hope Border Institute's board of directors, said people are dying trying to cross the U.S.-Mexico border nowadays more than in natural disasters.
"This growing tragedy of migrant deaths in our midst demands our urgent attention and compassion," Bañuelas said. "These deaths are occurring right here, close to our homes, our churches and our communities. As people of faith and people of good will, we cannot turn away. To ignore this crisis is to deny the humanity and dignity of those who have died."
Data collection for migrants crossing the border has always been challenging, leading hundreds of migrants unidentified and their families' with no closure. A 2024 Noticias Telemundo investigation found that at least 1,500 people who died trying to cross the southern border have not been identified.
But despite the lack of concrete federal data, the danger of crossing the border is evident. With vast stretches of desert and treacherous roads, as well as the absence of federal laws guiding authorities on how to handle human remains, the Southern Border is often considered the deadliest land route for migrants worldwide on record, according to the International Organization of Migration.
Originally published on Latin Times
