Border Militarization, Humanitarian Crisis Continue

In 2007 the Pima County Medical Examiner's Office had to open a new building in order to cope with the volume of remains being recovered. While the majority of deaths occurred as the result of exposure to the elements, an increasing number resulted from trauma, including gunshot wounds.

In spite of this humanitarian crisis, which Arizona human rights groups such as La Coalición de Derechos Humanos and No More Deaths argue is a direct result of the militarization of the U.S. / Mexico border, the construction of the border wall and other enforcement infrastructure continues, bound to drive human migration further into the remote Arizona desert and continue the needless suffering and death.

Several upcoming events in southern Arizona aim to memorialize those who’ve died and challenge the policies that have caused their deaths:

On Saturday, October 20 the Southwest Alliance for Environmental and Economic Justice will hold their annual border mobilization in Ambos Nogales.

On Saturday, November 3 there will be a Día de los Muertos Pilgrimage from From St. John's Church (12th Avebue and Ajo Way) to San Xavier Mission in Tucson.

For a complete list of the remains of border crossers recovered in Arizona in 2007 (including names and causes of death) click here.