I’m a professional copywriting journalist, deeply worried about the crisis at the U.S. border. For over 30 years, deterrence policies have caused over 10,000 deaths. The true toll may be higher because it’s hard to accurately count these deaths. This loss of life shows the serious human cost of our immigration policies.
Things got even worse recently, with over 850 deaths in one year under President Biden. Many died trying to cross due to the 30-foot border wall. At least 17 of these deaths were from falling off the wall, including 8 near San Diego in 2021.
Aside from high death tolls, there’s been a rise in sexual violence against scared migrants and those seeking asylum. Since 2010, over 3,700 people have gone missing, likely suffering from rape and attack. The pain these people face is hard to think about. We need to act fast to help these victims.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. border crisis has resulted in the deaths of at least 10,000 individuals over the past three decades, with the true number likely much higher.
- More than 850 people died in the fiscal year under President Biden’s administration while attempting to cross the border.
- The construction of the 30-foot border wall has contributed to a significant increase in fatal falls, with at least 17 deaths in fiscal year 2021.
- Since 2010, over 3,700 individuals have been reported missing to the Colibrí Center for Human Rights, many of whom are believed to have suffered sexual violence.
- The human cost of the U.S. border crisis is staggering, and it demands immediate attention and action to address this critical humanitarian issue.
Dangerous Migrant Journey Through Darien Gap
The journey through the Darien Gap is very risky. This area, between Colombia and Panama, is full of dangers. Migrants and asylum seekers face a tough time, with many getting hurt. A lot of people, around 460,000, have crossed it since the year began.
Almost 397 people hurt by sexual violence got help from Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). This shows how dangerous the journey really is.
Armed Gangs Prey on Vulnerable Migrants
Armed gangs are a big problem in the Darien Gap. They target weak migrants who are trying to cross. In October, MSF helped 107 people who suffered sexual violence in Panama. This means one case every three hours.
This sad fact shows just how much danger migrants are in during their journey. It’s not easy for them.
Widespread Sexual Assaults of Women and Children
Women and children are often attacked sexually. A lot of the victims are women and girls. Sadly, even children as young as 11 have been hurt. This is a harsh fact about the Darien Gap’s dangers.
It shows the ongoing issue of human trafficking and sexual attacks. The journey is very hard and dangerous for many.
Record-Breaking Migration Surge to U.S. Border
The border between the U.S. and Mexico is facing a huge wave of migration. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection says they have seen over 2.4 million “encounters” with people crossing illegally. This is the highest number ever reported.
There has never been so many people crossing into the U.S. in recent years. It’s causing a lot of pressure on the immigration system. This is because border officers are having a hard time keeping up with the large numbers of people.
The border situation is very serious now. Many people, including those in charge and the public, are demanding solutions. President Joe Biden’s rating on dealing with immigration is very low. At the same time, most Americans don’t think he’s handling it well. Many voters also support trying to impeach the Secretary of Homeland Security over this issue.
Despite the political drama, the high number of people crossing the border is a real issue. More than 3.2 million people tried to cross into the U.S. this fiscal year. This caused a lot of strain on the border agencies and law enforcement.
The border challenges are complicated. They show that fixing immigration needs long-term, big solutions. The goal is to stop the problems driving migration, while keeping everyone safe.
Underreported Crisis of Sexual Violence
The issue of sexual violence against migrants and asylum seekers is not getting enough attention. Many victims stay quiet because they fear the authorities. They might also not know the area well or worry about their immigration status. This fear of speaking out lets the problem keep growing.
Barriers to Reporting for Migrant Survivors
Reports show that only 16-40% of sexual assaults get reported to the police. For migrants, it’s even harder to come forward. They might not speak the local language well or understand the culture. Trusting the authorities can also be a big issue. Many are scared of being sent back home or facing more abuse if they ask for help.
“Anti-Mexico Vaccine” – Preventative Birth Control
Some women take long-lasting birth control shots before their journey to avoid potential assault. This tactic, known as the “anti-Mexico vaccine,” shows just how dangerous the trip is. There’s a constant threat of violence towards women. Groups like the Refugee Health Alliance aim to help, offering support and advice to those in need.
It’s crucial to address the underreporting of sexual violence against migrants and asylum seekers. To make a change, we need to help survivors overcome their fears. Plus, we must make sure they have access to protection beforehand. By talking more about this issue, we can start to help those who are most at risk.
Horrific Experiences in Tijuana Stash Houses
Many people heading to the U.S. get stuck in a dangerous place: Tijuana. They face the fear of getting caught and locked up in “stash houses”. There, they suffer through terrible things.
Kidnapped Migrants Drugged and Repeatedly Assaulted
Reports show that migrants are kidnapped, drugged, and then abused in these stash houses. In one incident, 13 migrants from Central America were rescued in Juarez. They had been through beatings, torture, and sexual abuse.
Of those rescued, two were children. Four needed medical help because of their severe injuries. Tragically, the kidnappers may have killed two others, and the authorities are looking for their bodies.
The danger is severe for those looking for safety in the U.S. They face human traffickers and sexual exploiters in these stash houses. They often suffer from drug-facilitated sexual assault, which leaves them deeply shaken.
The Juarez stash house was run by a big, illegal group. This shows the mix of human trafficking and sexual exploitation that many migrants encounter on their way to the U.S.
U.S. Border Deaths and Rapes: Extent Unknown
The crisis at the U.S. border is bigger than we might think. Deaths and rapes of migrants and asylum seekers often go unreported. This is because of many barriers and a lack of accountability.
It’s hard to know how bad things really are. Many cases aren’t reported. For example, in Altar, drug traffickers abducted nearly 300 migrants. The fate of 120 of them is still a mystery.
The border area is full of risks. It’s dangerous because of drug cartels and bandits, but also very remote. In the Marfa Sector, a migrant might have to walk 10 to 15 nights to find help.
Building the border wall has made things more dangerous. It puts migrants at risk of meeting traffickers and bandits. This situation is worsened by U.S. policies trying to stop migration. Many cases of violence are likely unreported.
Dangers in Tamaulipas State for Migrants
The state of Tamaulipas, by Texas, is very risky for migrants and asylum-seekers. Criminal gangs there do terrifying things like kidnappings and extortion. They also use sexual violence and make people work against their will.
Rampant Kidnappings and Extortion by Cartels
The Gulf Cartel is forcing migrants to pay a ransom, using terrible threats and sexual violence. Because of certain policies, migrants have to wait in dangerous places. This makes them easy targets for the gangs.
Sexual Violence and Forced Labor in Captivity
Cartels trick migrants and treat them brutally; they steal their money, beat them, and take them. Those kidnapped face awful crimes and are made to work by force. The U.S. State Department has strongly advised not going to risky parts of Tamaulipas.
The issues in Tamaulipas show a bigger problem for border crossers and asylum-seekers. They just want to be safe, but they face a world of violence and suffering. Solving this needs a wide and kind plan, focusing on the most at-risk people.
Corruption Enabling Migrant Abuse
Service providers near the border have noticed a worrying trend of government corruption and collusion. These issues lead to abuse against migrants and asylum seekers. Mexican officials, in some cases, have handed these vulnerable individuals to criminal groups, leading to more violence and exploitation.
Mexican Authorities Complicit or Unresponsive
The Mexican government’s lack of accountability and impunity is a big problem. It has led to the neglect and misuse of those seeking refuge. There are lots of cases where officials ignored the migrants’ needs or took part in their abuse.
According to reports by Human Rights Watch, more than 160 incidents of mistreatment towards asylum seekers were reported in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These reports include assault, sexual abuse, unfair legal processes, no medical help, bad detention conditions, and inhumane treatment. The lack of accountability and impunity within these systems has made these abuses seem normal.
Many migrants are too scared to tell anyone about the abuse they face. They worry about being punished or sent back home. This fear means that government corruption and collusion continue. This leaves those in need dealing with dangerous criminals and officials who don’t care.
We need to act fast to solve this problem. This means doing in-depth checks, watching closely, and making policies that value everyone’s safety and respect near the border.
Shelters Closed Due to Threats of Violence
Due to threats of violence, many migrant shelters in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, have closed. Service providers say organized crime has targeted these shelters. They’ve threatened and hurt both staff and those needing help.
The trip to safety and new chances through the U.S.-Mexico border has gotten more dangerous. Migrant shelters were key in offering food, shelter, and medical help. But, with an increase in dangers from criminal groups, these shelters can’t work as before.
Reports show organized crime has gone after these shelters, putting staff and migrants at risk. As a result, these services had to shut down. Many people are now without the help they so badly need. This has made the already difficult situation even worse.
The shutting down of these shelters is a huge setback. Aid and protection efforts are taking a hit. In the face of worsening border conditions, it’s crucial for groups from around the globe to join forces. They need to deal with the crisis at its source. This is key to keeping everyone who is looking for safety and refuge safe and well.
U.S. Policies Channeling Migrants to Danger
U.S. immigration rules, like needing the CBP One app for asylum appointments, have left migrants stuck in Mexico. They now deal with more violence and exploitation risks. Groups working for human rights say these policies make it hard for migrants to get asylum. This leads many to take unsafe paths and be in danger in places like Tamaulipas.
An interim final rule (IFR) by the USCIS and DHS started on June 5, 2024, controlling the entry of some noncitizens. This rule is part of the Proclamation using sections 212(f) and 215(a) of the INA. They limit entry during serious border enforcement moments.
The phrase “emergency border circumstances” shows up when the southern border’s issues are too much for the DHS to quickly handle. The Proclamation mentions a big increase in border encounters since 2021. It says these numbers are beyond DHS’s ability to manage well.
These rules have made it very risky for migrant vulnerability. Migrants have to choose dangerous paths and face more violence, exploitation, and abuse. Groups for human rights warn the U.S. needs to fix this. They ask the government to make the safety of needy asylum-seekers a main concern.
Calls for Action to Protect Migrant Survivors
Advocates and service providers push for quick action to tackle the rising crisis. They aim to lessen the deaths and sexual violence cases among migrants and asylum seekers at the U.S. border. This approach should include increasing support for victims and important policy changes.
The situation at hand is huge. At least 38 Central and South American migrants died in a fire at a Mexican government detention facility in Ciudad Juárez. Also, over 13,000 individuals were expelled due to Title 42 and faced attacks like kidnappings, rape, and murder. Migrant survivors are in danger of being kidnapped, extorted, facing abuse from authorities, and risk being detained in Mexico.
To tackle this crisis, a wide-ranging approach that respects human rights and focuses on migrants’ needs is needed. Advocates are calling for policy changes to make seeking asylum safer and easier. They also ask for more resources to help survivors and their families. Strengthening laws against violence towards migrants, improving data tracking, and using better preventative methods are also on the table.
General Assembly Resolution 67/185 on “Promoting efforts to eliminate violence against migrants, migrant workers and their families” offers a blueprint for migrant rights protection. By taking action, policymakers can reduce the threats migrants face. They can also make sure the basic rights of migrants, as people, are respected.
Conclusion
This article has shown how migrants and asylum seekers face death and sexual violence at the U.S. border. It shares facts and stories that highlight the serious dangers and abuse these people face on their way and at the border.
The problem is big, but there are urgent calls for action. We need to protect the vulnerable, help the survivors, and make policy changes. This aims to deal with the main problems causing this humanitarian crisis.
The U.S. government, international groups, and activists must work together. They should aim to make the journey and the border safer for those looking for a new life. This work could include making the border more secure and supporting people who survived attacks. It should also address why so many people are forced to leave their homes.
With everyone’s efforts, we can make a real difference. We can help make sure the U.S. border is no longer a place of fear for those seeking hope and a better future.