The number of migrant deaths in the El Paso area has risen significantly, with 23 lives lost since the conclusion of the last fiscal year. From October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024, a total of 176 migrants tragically lost their lives while attempting to cross into the United States illegally. These fatalities occurred in treacherous environments such as the deserts and mountains of New Mexico, as well as in canals and on roadways frequently used by smugglers. The use of high-speed and overcrowded vehicles by smugglers also played a role in these unfortunate deaths.
Federal authorities are once again cautioning potential migrants about the dangers they may encounter. According to Claudio Herrera-Baeza, a spokesperson for the U.S. Border Patrol, the fatalities that occur are not solely a result of extreme heat, but also the hazards associated with hypothermia, water canals, and overcrowded vehicles. Herrera-Baeza emphasized that even when individuals attempt to seek refuge inside a vehicle, such as a compact sedan with ten passengers, it can still pose significant risks.
Migrant advocacy groups in the El Paso area have been advocating for increased legal migration pathways to minimize the reliance on perilous smuggling routes. Although there have been recent initiatives in this regard, the number of migrants surrendering at the border has actually decreased since the Biden administration’s stricter measures on unscheduled asylum claims in June of last year. Border agents disclosed that they apprehended a mere 110,138 individuals in October and November of 2024, which marks a significant decrease from the 379,855 apprehended during the same period in 2023, as reported by the Border Report.
Recently, there has been a noticeable increase in border traffic that is connected to organized smuggling operations. One notable incident took place in the El Paso Sector, where Border Patrol agents intercepted a tractor-trailer carrying 37 unauthorized migrants. These individuals, originating from various countries such as Guatemala, Mexico, Cuba, El Salvador, and Ecuador, were discovered during a routine inspection.
In the meantime, there has been a rise in migrant arrivals in Juarez, Mexico. Kleiber Chacon, a migrant, recently shared his terrifying ordeal of trying to cross into the United States. He was part of a group that attempted to surrender to U.S. authorities at the border wall in El Paso but was denied entry by Texas National Guard troops. Chacon recounted injuring his hands after getting entangled in razor wire during the failed attempt.
Chacon, a Venezuelan national, acknowledged the numerous risks he encountered on his journey, but his determination to reunite with his family in the U.S. never wavered. “Our purpose and dream remain unchanged,” he expressed. “Our families await our arrival… for them, any obstacle can be overcome.”
Social media is being increasingly used as a platform to recruit drivers for human smuggling operations. This alarming trend highlights the evolving methods that criminals employ to exploit vulnerable individuals seeking a better life. The internet has become a powerful tool for human traffickers, enabling them to reach a wide audience and connect with potential drivers.
Rather than relying on traditional recruitment methods, such as word-of-mouth or personal connections, human smugglers are taking advantage of the vast reach of social media platforms. By leveraging the anonymity and accessibility offered by these platforms, they can easily connect with individuals who may be willing to transport migrants across borders illegally.
The use of social media also allows human smugglers to target specific demographics and regions. They can tailor their recruitment efforts to appeal to individuals facing economic hardships, political instability, or other vulnerabilities. By exploiting these circumstances, they can manipulate potential drivers into participating in illegal activities.
Once recruited, these drivers are often subjected to dangerous and exploitative conditions. They may be required to transport migrants in overcrowded and unsafe vehicles, putting their lives and the lives of others at risk. Additionally, they may face threats, violence, or extortion from the criminal networks they are involved with.
To combat this growing problem, it is crucial for law enforcement agencies and social media platforms to work together. By monitoring and identifying suspicious recruitment activities, authorities can take action to disrupt human smuggling operations and bring those responsible to justice. Social media platforms should also implement stricter policies and algorithms to detect and remove content related to human smuggling.
Furthermore, raising awareness about the dangers and consequences of human smuggling is essential. By educating individuals about the risks involved and the legal alternatives available, potential drivers can make informed decisions and avoid falling prey to the manipulative tactics of human smugglers.
The increasing use of social media for recruiting drivers for human smuggling is a concerning development that requires immediate attention and action. By addressing this issue collectively, we can protect vulnerable individuals and dismantle the networks that perpetuate this criminal activity.
Since the initiation of Operation Lone Star almost four years ago, Texas has witnessed a significant surge in arrests related to human smuggling. Thousands of individuals, frequently comprising American citizens, have faced charges under the state’s human smuggling law. It is important to note that this law now mandates a minimum sentence of 10 years for individuals found guilty of this offense.
The law was designed to tackle the Mexican cartels responsible for the majority of smuggling and trafficking activities along the border. As a result, there has been an increase in arrests, with some of the individuals caught unaware of the illegal nature of their actions. Social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat are often used to recruit people, with vague advertisements offering significant amounts of money for drivers. After responding to these ads, individuals are directed to use WhatsApp to pick up migrants near the U.S.-Mexico border and transport them to cities like Houston and Dallas.
Texas has had a human smuggling law in place for more than 25 years, with its penalties becoming more severe over time. In 2023, legislators implemented a new law mandating a minimum 10-year prison term for individuals found guilty of smuggling, intensifying the consequences for those involved in these illicit activities.
In 2022, there was a significant surge in the number of arrests for human smuggling, reaching a staggering 17,500 cases. This marked a stark contrast to the mere 1,400 arrests documented in the previous year before the commencement of Operation Lone Star. It is worth noting that, despite the primary focus on targeting cartels, the majority of those apprehended are actually U.S. citizens. Furthermore, a substantial portion of these individuals are under the age of 27, with some as young as 18.