Already victims of unscrupulous smugglers, theft, extortion or kidnapping, candidates for exile in the United States are also threatened by the extreme heat wave that has hit a large part of Mexico for almost three months. A week ago, the inert body of a dehydrated woman was found in the desert area of Ciudad Juarez and, last Wednesday, it was that of a 45-year-old man, victim of heat stroke. which was dug up by agents of the National Guard and the Migration Institute.
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His body was hastily buried between two bushes, then abandoned in the vastness of this border area, under the blazing sun. But under pressure from his comrades in misfortune, the smuggler-gravedigger ended up revealing the location of the deceased to the Mexican authorities.
On the sand, which served as his burial place, empty bottles, like relics, bear witness to the ordeal endured by the candidates for exile. Six other people, including one showing symptoms of dehydration, were found by the authorities, just after this macabre discovery.
More than 1.3 million migrants have crossed Mexico since the start of the year
Director of Civil Protection of Ciudad Juarez, Mauricio Rodriguez therefore launches an appeal to candidates to cross the desert to reach the United States: “ The main recommendation is not to do it because the temperatures are very high. This is the main recommendation, because heat stroke and dehydration can be fatal in the desert. “, he warned.
Not sure that this call will be heard. According to the National Migration Institute, between January and May this year, 1.3 million migrants crossed Mexican territory. For their part, American border patrols have recorded the deaths of 77 people since October 2023, in the area of the border city of El Paso. Dehydration and falls from the wall are the main causes of death.
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