Migrant deaths in New Mexico have increased tenfold

Associated Press

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico authorities are grappling with a growing number of migrants dying in the state’s border region, with the remains of more than 100 found in the first eight months of the year in the state. Many were discovered just miles from the El Paso, Texas, port of entry. That’s more than 10 times the number of probable migrant deaths reported five years ago. The Office of the Medical Investigator that performs autopsies for New Mexico has hired additional investigators to handle the influx. The numbers have surged as smugglers increasingly steer migrants into hot, rugged areas of the state.