4,000 U.S.-bound migrants have died or gone missing in the past four years


Even more migrants have died or gone missing on their way to the United States in the past four years than experts previously thought.
The Associated Press reported Tuesday that since 2014, about 4,000 migrants traveling to the U.S. through Mexico have died or gone missing, which is about 1,500 more than previously estimated by the United Nations. AP points out that this number is "likely low" since migrants traveling illegally are often unreported. Globally, more than 56,000 migrants have died or gone missing in the past four years.
After sharing these disturbing new figures, AP's story goes on to focus on the account of a Honduran woman, Haydee Posadas, whose son made the journey to the United States through Mexico, fleeing gang violence at home. But he never made it to America, having been murdered by gang members on the way along with 71 other migrants. Posadas waited an excruciating eight years to find out what happened to her son, all the while holding out hope he could still be alive.
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.
Some people from Posadas' neighborhood, AP points out, are part of the caravan of Central American migrants making their way to the United States, which Trump has insisted is full of some "very bad people."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
What It Feels Like for a Girl: a 'fearless and compelling' coming-of-age drama
The Week Recommends Ellis Howard dazzles in this 'sharply written' adaptation of Paris Lees' memoir
-
Sports betting is causing athletes to be abused and harassed online
Under the radar Baseball players, tennis stars and others have raised the alarm
-
Crossword: June 4, 2025
The Week's daily crossword
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read