Migrants face numerous challenges at the U.S.-Mexico border, as highlighted by the work of Alvaro Enciso, who places crosses at sites where migrants have died in the borderland. One such cross represents the death of Nolberto Torres-Zayas, who died of hyperthermia in 2009 near a vandalized and drained water cache in Arivaca, Arizona.
A team of NPR journalists recently experienced the difficulties of crossing the border in the opposite direction, from the U.S. into Mexico. While the border is a boon for businesses on both sides, it has also become a major political issue due to the arrival of millions of migrants from across the Americas and other parts of the world seeking entry into the U.S.
The flow of asylum seekers has overwhelmed the U.S. government’s capacity to process their cases. Various administrations, including those of Presidents Trump and Biden, have implemented different policies to address the issue. Currently, the Biden administration is urging some people to apply for asylum from their home countries and encouraging overland migrants to make appointments through the CBP One app for entry into the U.S.
At the Nogales port of entry, a shelter run by the Kino Border Initiative provides assistance to migrants. However, the number of asylum interviews conducted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Nogales is limited to 100 per day, resulting in long waiting times for families seeking entry.
Carla and Jose, a Venezuelan couple, embarked on a dangerous journey with their two children, traveling through multiple countries to reach the U.S. border. They were among the lucky few who won the lottery for an interview with Customs and Border Protection in Nogales. If admitted to the U.S., they planned to reunite with family already living there.
The increase in migrant arrivals has put a strain on U.S. Border Patrol, with apprehensions in the Tucson sector tripling in 2021 and sextupling in 2023. The sector’s chief patrol agent, John Modlin, highlighted the challenges faced by the agency, including the rise in asylum claims and the expansion of human trafficking by Mexican cartels.
The humanitarian group Humane Borders provides water stations along commonly used migrant routes, but these stations are sometimes vandalized. Volunteers like Kirk Astroth face hostility from individuals who consider themselves unofficial border security. Despite the challenges, Humane Borders aims to prevent migrant deaths in the desert.
As the number of migrants continues to rise, the U.S. government is working to address the situation. Congress has allocated funding for hiring more border agents, but the task remains immense.
The article event took place in Nogales, Arizona, United States.