In response to the increasing number fatalities at the U.S. Mexico border, El Paso County commissioners unanimously passed a resolution calling for more humane immigration policies as recounted by Border Report. The legislation comes as migrant deaths in the region have reached record levels.  

A “somber resolution” 

According to recent data, just in the El Paso Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol, every year for the past two years more than 100 migrants have died. Commissioner David Stout said he believes people have no idea just how many migrants are dying. He hopes the new resolution will help shine a light on that statistic and lead to future policy action.  

Stout stated:  

“It’s tough to say, but the United States continuously and knowingly is killing immigrants. I know it’s a very shocking statement but it’s the reality of the current state of federal and state policy and practices,” 

At the recent Commissioners Court meeting, Stout said U.S. immigration policy isn’t allowing enough people into the country. Compounding that, the U.S. is making those who do qualify for lawful entry wait many years to gain legal status.  

And in the areas where asylum seekers used to surrender, aggressive enforcement has led to hordes of people smugglers hungry for business. Smugglers who then try to get asylum seekers across the border by traversing lethal deserts, mountains and canal areas. It’s a recipe for deadly tragedies playing out day after day.  

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