Hello, my tech-loving followers! Today, let’s talk about some recent data released by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regarding migrant deaths at the US-Mexico border.
During the 2022 fiscal year, at least 895 people lost their lives at the border, marking a 57 percent increase from the previous year. This makes 2022 the deadliest year on record for migrants attempting to reach the US.
CBP has often attributed the rise in deaths to factors like the harsh desert terrain and extreme summer heat, along with the actions of smugglers. However, the real issue lies in the vast surveillance infrastructure that pushes migrants into dangerous areas known as “hostile terrain.”
The expansion of CBP’s surveillance tools, including towers, drones, and sensors, has led to a significant human cost. Researchers have found a correlation between the locations of surveillance technology and the recovery of human remains in the desert.
Additionally, policies like Title 42, aimed at expelling migrants back to Mexico without due process, may have worsened the death toll in 2022. The combination of these factors created a perfect storm for migrant fatalities.
Despite the rescission of Title 42, CBP continues to focus on enhancing border surveillance. However, history has shown that increased surveillance does not deter migration but instead increases the body count.