Temperatures in the Arizona desert exceed 40 degrees Celsius and become a mortal danger for migrants who decide to cross via remote routes to evade immigration authorities.
Benjamin Salcedo, Border Patrol Agent
“The extreme temperatures we experience here in the summer months are a deadly situation for anyone. That is why our message is to prevent this, because it is not worth losing your life on this journey.”
Here in particular, it’s going to be the terrain, coupled with the extreme temperatures that we experience here in the summer months. That presents a very deadly situation for anyone to take on. So that’s why our messaging is going out to try to prevent that, because the loss of life is not worth doing this trek.
911 calls increase as temperatures rise. July and August are the busiest months for specialized rescue teams.
Benjamin Salcedo, Border Patrol Agent
“We are trying to prevent these crossings from happening, but for those who do cross, we are prepared to respond. Agents on the ground and our specialized Borstar units are ready to help save lives.”
“We are trying to prevent those crossings from even taking place, but those who do cross, despite that, we are prepared to respond. And from the agents on the ground to our Borstar elite units to help save lives and prevent that loss of life.”
Despite efforts, the scorching heat of the Sonoran Desert claimed the lives of three Mexican migrants the last week of June. Border Patrol agents in Ajo, Arizona, were alerted by a rescue tower in an area known as Sheep Peak. The bodies of the three migrants, ages 17, 18 and 44, were transported to the Pima County Coroner’s Office.
The National Weather Service in Phoenix says this summer’s heat will be above normal.
Matt Salerno, NWS meteorologist in Phoenix
“These heat waves we are seeing could continue through July and August.”
Paula Diaz, Voice of America, Tucson
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