< back
DEATHS OF MIGRANTS FROM HEAT ON SOUTHERN BORDER BEGIN TO RISE
Over the past two weeks, in the Tucson, Arizona sector of the border, six people have died from exposure attempting to cross into the US.  These most recent deaths bring the total number of immigrants who have died making the journey to 19 in fiscal year 2000.  In fiscal year 1999, there were only 20 deaths, and none occurred this early in the year.  In the Yuma, Arizona border sector, 11 people have died this fiscal year.  Only four heat-related deaths occurred in this sector during all of fiscal year 1999. 
Each year, the heat of the desert southwest becomes fatal to many immigrants, but certain factors have arisen to make many concerned that this year will be especially brutal.  The INS border strategy over the past few years has been driving those who attempt to enter the US without authorization to Arizona, where arrests of undocumented migrants have skyrocketed.  In March, over 75,000 people were arrested.  Another danger is in the increased Border Patrol presence in Arizona border cities, which forces migrants to try to cross through remote rural areas.  The Border Patrol also says its increased patrols of remote areas have led to the discovery of more migrants 
One of those who died recently was a young mother from Mexico, Yolanda Gonzalez.  Her death may have saved the life of her 18-month-old daughter.  She drank little water during her four days in the desert, allowing her child to have most of the two gallons she carried.  The child is being returned to Mexico despite the mother’s desperate efforts to bring her daughter to the US.  The child’s father is working in the US, but because he lacks proper documentation, he is afraid to claim her, fearing that he will be deported.