Migrants in Mexico are being urged not to attempt border crossings by foot at the moment, as scorching temperatures have caused the death of dozens of people so far this year and the hottest months of the year haven't began yet.
Barron's recently reported the case of a 45-year-old Mexican man who was found dead in the desert near the U.S. border, a finding that prompted security forces to heighten their level of alert in regards to such cases.
He was reportedly abandoned by a trafficker who later returned to bury him in the desert, and Mexican authorities later found six immigrants alive, one with symptoms of dehydration.
However, this is far from being the only case. The Mexican government reported in June 155 deaths associated with high temperatures, 30 of them in the second week of the month alone.
Although they didn't clarify how many corresponded to migrants attempting to cross, many do take place in the deserts used as migratory routes by those attempting to reach the U.S. And the figure is higher for those embarking on the perilous journey, as Border Patrol has recorded over 80 deaths in the El Paso sector so far this fiscal year.
"I understand that people are forced to do so, but we recommend they don't do it. The heat can lead to death," Mauricio Rodríguez, director of emergency management services in Ciudad Juárez, told AFP.
At least six other migrants died while attempting to enter the U.S. earlier in June through El Paso. Local Border Patrol said four people who were found in the past days died as a result of "heatstroke and dehydration." At least two others were also found dead in the area days before.
"As temperatures soar and summer approaches, the treacherous conditions of the desert are proving increasingly dangerous," said Texas' Border Patrol in a recent statement. The El Paso sector saw 686 deaths and disappearances last year, the highest toll ever recorded.
Moreover, different NGOs have claimed that the government is significantly undercounting deaths. In April, Arizona-based No More Deaths published research showing two to four times as many deaths as those reported by the government in West Texas and Southern New Mexico over several years.
Among the main causes of death were dehydration or hypothermia (depending on the season), falls from mountains or the border wall, drownings, being struck by motor vehicles and injuries in the context of law-enforcement chases.
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