Rep. Jenifer Jones (R-NM-32) has called for urgent legislative action to address the surge in migrant deaths near New Mexico’s southern border, describing the loss of life as a tragic consequence of inadequate border security. The number of migrant deaths near the U.S.-Mexico border in New Mexico has increased tenfold over the past five years, with 108 presumed migrant deaths recorded during the first eight months of 2024.
"The border crisis has become so politically charged that many policymakers in Santa Fe neglect to consider the horrific human cost,” Rep. Jones told the New Mexico Sun. “Many migrants have suffered and died in the desert leaving behind friends and loved ones. The loss of life is tragic. Migrants are victims, preyed upon by the criminal cartels who continue to exploit our weak New Mexico border and become richer, more powerful and more dangerous every year.”
According to AP News, the number of migrant deaths near the U.S.-Mexico border in New Mexico has increased tenfold over the past five years, with 108 presumed migrant deaths recorded during the first eight months of 2024. This alarming trend comes as smugglers steer migrants through perilous terrain west of El Paso, Texas, subjecting them to extreme heat and dangerous conditions.
New Mexico saw 113 migrant deaths in 2023, a stark contrast to just nine in 2020. Many of the deceased, primarily from Mexico and Central America, were found within 10 miles of El Paso. Forensic investigations indicate heat-related causes in most cases, straining the resources of the University of New Mexico’s Office of the Medical Investigator. Heather Edgar, a forensic anthropologist with the office, described the rise in deaths as "sadness, horror, and surprise," prompting the addition of more deputy medical investigators in the region.
Smugglers have increasingly used dangerous routes, leading migrants into canyons, deserts, and mountains, exacerbated by record-breaking heatwaves fueled by climate change. The El Paso area experienced its hottest June on record this year, with temperatures soaring to 109°F.
Efforts to combat the crisis include U.S. Customs and Border Protection deploying surveillance blimps, movable radar towers, and additional rescue beacons. Over the past year, Border Patrol rescued nearly 1,000 migrants in New Mexico and western Texas, a significant increase from the previous year. Faith-based organizations have also stepped in, dropping water bottles in high-risk areas to aid migrants.
“Each legislative session, House Republicans have proposed additional manpower, technology, equipment, and support for law enforcement agencies along the border. Without fail, they are rejected by the progressive majority in the legislature,” Jones said. “The simple truth is that the ruling party in New Mexico has not taken a single action to curb illegal activity at the border, shut down cartel activity or save migrant lives. I've personally implored the governor to help border communities, like my home, on numerous occasions. To us, it's not a political issue, it's a personal one. This 60 day session we hope to see bipartisan support for border security legislation that will ultimately save lives.”
Jones' (R-NM-32) district includes parts of southern New Mexico along the U.S.-Mexico border.
She was first elected in 2020 and is serving her second term. Jones serves on the House Appropriations and Finance Committee and the Agriculture, Acequias and Water Resources Committee. Her legislative priorities include border security, public safety, and rural development.
The New Mexico Legislature convenes its regular sessions for 30 days in even-numbered years and 60 days in odd-numbered years. The longer sessions allow for more comprehensive legislative work, including the introduction and consideration of bills addressing a wider range of issues.
