USA. Nogales. Arizona. July 2024. Border patrol officer Robert Ortiz at border
wall. Approximately 10% of migrants who cross attempt to evade Border Patrol.
Each year tens of thousands of migrants cross the harsh and often violent Sonora
desert who have paid Mexican cartels for passage through “their” territory often
suffering extortion, rape, and abandonment. Some are also subject to violence and intimidation of US-based militia groups who “tour” the region for migrants. According to Migration Data Portal, the border between Mexico and the United States is the second deadliest land crossing in the world with 5,289 known deaths to date. Numbers of migrants seeking safety and a sustainable future have sky rocketed in recent years causing US presidential candidates from both parties to cater to a public sentiment for “stronger security”.