As has been the case each summer for nearly the past decade, the number of migrants attempting to enter the US unlawfully who die during the attempt is rising. Last week, the Border Patrol sector covering most of Arizona recorded its 41st heat related death of the year. Even as the number of deaths continues to grow, up from a total of 45 last year, 41 the year before, and only 14 in 1999, so does the number of migrants who are rescued in the desert. To many, this is clear evidence that government program to reduce the number of undocumented border crossers is not succeeding, but is only pushing migrants from urban to rural areas. Responding to these deaths, members of nine religious groups are beginning an effort they call the Samaritan Patrol. Volunteers will patrol areas of the desert in Arizona where 33 people have died in the past month.
*
Human rights activists fear that opponents of undocumented immigration have vandalized three water tanks stationed in the Arizona desert and meant to provide water to migrants trekking through the desert. The Border Patrol allows advocacy groups to maintain the stations, but tries to warn migrants that crossing the desert is extremely dangerous no matter what resources might be available. The agency also takes the position that so long as no direct assistance is provided to the migrants, the advocates are not breaking any laws. Opponents of the assistance efforts say that they are nothing more than aiding and abetting people in breaking the law.
*
A federal court jury in Los Angeles recently convicted six people of smuggling Ukrainian immigrants into the US via Mexico, and of forcing many of them into prostitution. The convictions follow a seven week trial.
*
In a recent report, the Mexican prosecutor for human rights violations called upon the government to stop using the army as a border control force. The report faults an army desire to impress the US by cracking down on immigrant and drug smugglers for excessive Mexican army actions, including a recent incident in which a group of migrants was shot at. The Mexican military has declined to comment.
*
Police in St. Croix, one of the US Virgin Islands, this week apprehended 20 Chinese nationals who swam ashore near a resort area. Officials believe they were dropped off by smugglers because of the location where they landed. They are being detained by the INS pending a preliminary asylum hearing .
Disclaimer: This newsletter is provided as a public service and not intended to establish an attorney client relationship. Any reliance on information contained herein is taken at your own risk. The information provided in this article has not been updated since its original posting and you should not rely on it until you consult counsel to determine if the content is still valid. We keep older articles online because it helps in the understanding of the development of immigration law.