Rising migrant deaths in Texas amid triple-digit heat waves, Border Patrol says

EL PASO, Texas (KFOX) — El Paso, Texas, has seen 20 straight days with triple digit weather.

Even with the elevated heat temperatures, undocumented migrants continue to enter the country illegally through the desert.

"We have seen more than 300 rescues and many of those rescues or death have been related to heat exposures," Claudia Herrera-Baeza, Border Patrol Public Affairs, said.

From fiscal year 2023 until July, the El Paso Border sector has seen 67 migrants that died to heat related illnesses, BP said.That number is quickly reaching the 71 migrant deaths the sector saw in the entire fiscal year of 2022.

"Unfortunately, during the last few weeks we’ve seen an increase in migrants deaths registered here in El Paso, Texas," Herrera-Baeza said.

With the triple digit weather El Paso Border Patrol sector Chief, Anthony Good, has tweeted out pictures of the rescue placards and beacons in the desert for migrants to request help.

"We have seen more than 300 rescues and many of those rescues or death have been related to heat exposures," Herrera-Baeza said.

While Border Patrol agents work hard to protect the El Paso border sector and rescue migrants in need of help, they also have to take care of themselves.

"Be cognizant of your surroundings, be aware of what the heat temperatures are going to be in the work areas that you’re going to be patrolling in," Herrera-Baeza said.

In addition to being weather aware, Border Patrol constantly reminds their agents to stay hydrated and communicate with their team.

"Just advise other agents if they’re going to be walking in some distances just to make sure everyone knows where your location is," Herrera-Baeza said.

Border Patrol said agents have a tough job due to the working conditions of the dry desert.

It makes it even more difficult when you’re following [a migrant]; you’re probably running. The most difficult part is most of the encounters that we’ve seen are trying to evade arrest. By doing so you’re putting yourself in danger; you’re putting our agents in danger as well," Herrera-Baeza said.

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