U.S. accused of “knowingly killing migrants”

In response to the increasing number fatalities at the U.S. Mexico border, El Paso County commissioners unanimously passed a resolution calling for more humane immigration policies as recounted by Border Report. The legislation comes as migrant deaths in the region have reached record levels.  

A “somber resolution” 

According to recent data, just in the El Paso Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol, every year for the past two years more than 100 migrants have died. Commissioner David Stout said he believes people have no idea just how many migrants are dying. He hopes the new resolution will help shine a light on that statistic and lead to future policy action.  

Stout stated:  

“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,” 

At the recent Commissioners Court meeting, Stout said U.S. immigration policy isn’t allowing enough people into the country. Compounding that, the U.S. is making those who do qualify for lawful entry wait many years to gain legal status.  

And in the areas where asylum seekers used to surrender, aggressive enforcement has led to hordes of people smugglers hungry for business. Smugglers who then try to get asylum seekers across the border by traversing lethal deserts, mountains and canal areas. It’s a recipe for deadly tragedies playing out day after day.  

Backpacks, Bibles and photos are all that’s left behind 

The Rev. Arturo Bañuelas, is chair emeritus of the Hope Border Institute’s board of directors. In his opinion Americans have a lot of misconceptions about migrants, that they mostly drug dealers and arms smugglers. Conversely, when he finds evidence of immigrants he finds items telling a story of regular people making a dangerous journey simply to find a better life. 

Rev. Bañuelas said:

“This growing tragedy of migrant deaths in our midst demands our urgent attention and compassion…To ignore this crisis is to deny the humanity and dignity of those who have died.” 

Rev. Bañuelas says the number of people dying trying to cross the U.S.-Mexico border today surpasses the number perishing in natural disasters like as hurricanes and fires.  

Speaking to commissioners at the passing of the legislation Rev. Bañuelas said he often finds backpacks, Bibles, medicines, pictures of loved ones and personal belongings abandoned by immigrants. Rev. Bañuelas told commissioners, “It’s a profound moral failure when seeking a better life and safety results in death.” 

It’s a lack of safe migration routes, combined with a hostile reception and subsequent undocumented migration status that create the conditions for exploitation and tragedies like this to happen. Add your voice to those calling on governments everywhere to create genuine anti-trafficking immigration policies and help protect vulnerable migrants from unjustifiable horrors.