Record Breaking Migrant Deaths
2022 is the worst year ever for migrant deaths on the US side of the border. Leaked government data shows more than 600 deaths this year alone, up from 566 last year (which was also a record) and double the amount of deaths CBP recorded each year from 2014 to 2020.
Where are they Dying?
Using data from The Missing Migrants Project, combined with data from the Arizona OpenGIS initiative for Deceased Migrants, we can see the specific locations and cause of death. The values of these two combined datasets roughly match the data leaked government data. Data from the Missing Migrants Project are based on news report collations, and not government datasets alone.
How are Migrants Dying While Trying to Cross?
While the data is inconsistent, and the bulk of deaths were attributed to “accident or unkwown” it’s clear that in environmental conditions and drowning are two of the biggest causes of death. This includes deaths from heat/dehydration.
Drownings
Drownings are extremely common, especially trying to cross the Rio Grande. Below is a video of the migrant drowning deaths and locations in the last two years. Below are just migrant drownings from Jan 2020-Sept 2022
A particularly dangerous crossing seems to be the Nuevo Laredo/Laredo, TX Rio Grande crossing, seen below. These drownings happen most frequently in Winter/Spring, but seem to be possible at any time of year.
Methodology
The Missing Migrants Project, combined with data from the Arizona OpenGIS initiative for Deceased Migrants for the map visualization. Cause of death was combined for similar entries across both datasets.