As the US election nears, the perilous journey of migrants crossing the border has come into focus. The "prevention through deterrence" policy, implemented in the 1990s, aimed to deter people from crossing by funneling them into remote areas. While this approach failed to stop migration, it has led to a significant increase in migrant deaths. In Arizona's Pima County, the medical examiner reports an average of 170 deceased migrant remains per year since 2002, compared to less than 20 in the 1990s.
Volunteers with the group No More Deaths have been dropping water and supplies in the desert to help migrants survive their journey. They emphasize the harsh conditions faced by migrants, including extreme heat and scavenging animals.
The issue has sparked concern among humanitarian workers and advocates for immigrant rights. They point out that anti-immigrant sentiment has intensified in recent years, with some politicians labeling migrants as "tough people" or "killers."