A total of 307 people died trying to cross the U.S.-Mexico border in fiscal year 2014, which ended in September, The Associated Press reports, citing U.S. Border Patrol figures. That's the lowest number of deaths since 1999; in fiscal 2013, 445 border-crossers were found dead.
The Border Patrol credits the drop in deaths to more immigrants turning themselves in to authorities, fewer trying to cross through the treacherous Arizona desert, a Spanish-language media campaign warning against crossing on foot, and an increase in Border Patrol rescue efforts. "I think we can all agree that crossing the border is an illegal act, but nothing that should be assigned the penalty of death," Tucson Sector Division Chief Raleigh Leonard tells AP.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Political dynasties at war in the PhilippinesUnder the Radar 'Fiercer, nastier, and more personal' rift between Marcos and Duterte factions risks splitting ruling coalition
-
'Without mandatory testing, bird flu will continue circulating at farms across the country'Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Thirteen missing after Red Sea tourist boat sinksSpeed Read The vessel sank near the Egyptian coastal town of Marsa Alam
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstancesSpeed Read
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2Speed Read
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governorSpeed Read
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditionsSpeed Read
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billionSpeed Read
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on recordSpeed Read
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homesSpeed Read
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creatureSpeed Read
