The number of migrant deaths in the El Paso area has surged, resulting in the loss of 23 lives since the conclusion of the previous fiscal year. From October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024, a total of 176 migrants tragically lost their lives while attempting to cross the United States border illegally. These fatalities occurred in perilous environments such as the deserts and mountains of New Mexico, as well as in canals and on roadways frequently used by smugglers. Additionally, the use of high-speed and overcrowded vehicles by smugglers has further contributed to the tragic loss of life.
Federal authorities are once again cautioning potential migrants about the dangers they may encounter while attempting to cross the border. Claudio Herrera-Baeza, a spokesperson for the U.S. Border Patrol, emphasized that the fatalities were not solely a result of extreme heat, but also the hazards associated with hypothermia, water canals, and overcrowded vehicles. “Even when you choose to get into a vehicle, such as a small sedan packed with 10 people, it can prove to be incredibly risky,” Herrera-Baeza warned.
Migrant advocacy groups in the El Paso region have been advocating for increased opportunities for legal migration as a means to minimize the reliance on perilous smuggling routes. Despite recent initiatives, the number of migrants surrendering at the border has decreased as a result of the Biden administration’s stricter approach towards unscheduled asylum claims since June of last year. Border agents have reported apprehending a mere 110,138 individuals in October and November of 2024, which marks a significant decrease from the 379,855 apprehensions made during the same months in 2023, as stated by the Border Report.
Recently, there has been an increase in border traffic, which is largely connected to organized smuggling operations. A notable incident occurred in the El Paso Sector, where Border Patrol agents intercepted a tractor-trailer transporting 37 unauthorized migrants. These individuals were discovered during a routine inspection and come from various countries, including Guatemala, Mexico, Cuba, El Salvador, and Ecuador.
In Juarez, Mexico, the number of migrant arrivals has been on the rise. Kleiber Chacon, a migrant, recently recounted his terrifying ordeal of trying to cross into the United States. He was among a group who attempted to surrender to U.S. authorities at the border wall in El Paso but was denied entry by Texas National Guard troops. Chacon vividly described the pain he endured, injuring his hands as he got entangled in razor wire during the desperate attempt.
Chacon, a Venezuelan national, acknowledged the numerous hazards he encountered on his journey, yet he remained resolute in his quest to reunite with his family in the United States. “Our resolve remains unwavering. We have a purpose; we have a dream,” he emphasized. “Our families eagerly await our arrival… for our loved ones, nothing is insurmountable.”
Social Media Used to Recruit Drivers for Human Smuggling
Since the inception of Operation Lone Star almost four years ago, Texas has witnessed a significant surge in the number of arrests related to human smuggling. This crackdown has resulted in the apprehension of numerous individuals, including American citizens, who have been charged under the state’s human smuggling law. It is worth noting that the offense now carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years for those found guilty.
The law aims to tackle the Mexican cartels’ dominance over border smuggling and trafficking activities. As a result, there has been an increase in arrests, catching some individuals off guard as they were unaware of the illegal nature of their actions. Social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat have become recruitment channels, with ambiguous advertisements promising significant sums for drivers circulating. Upon responding to these ads, individuals are directed to use WhatsApp to pick up migrants near the U.S.-Mexico border and transport them to cities like Houston and Dallas.
Texas has had a human smuggling law in place for more than 25 years, and over time, the penalties associated with this crime have become more stringent. In 2023, a new law was passed in Texas mandating a minimum 10-year sentence for individuals found guilty of smuggling, thereby raising the stakes for anyone involved in these illicit operations.
In 2022, there was a significant surge in the number of arrests for human smuggling, reaching a total of 17,500. This marked a drastic increase compared to the previous year, where only 1,400 arrests were made before the initiation of Operation Lone Star. It is worth noting that although the primary focus of this operation is on targeting cartels, the majority of the arrests actually involve U.S. citizens. Surprisingly, a considerable number of these individuals are young, with many being under the age of 27, and some even as young as 18.