Tragic Loss of Life Is a Stark Reminder of the Need for a Humane Immigration System

WASHINGTON—At least 50 people were found dead yesterday in a tractor-trailer near Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio and approximately a dozen survivors were taken to hospitals, according to local officials.

This tragedy appears to be the deadliest migrant-smuggling operation in U.S. history, following the deadliest year on record for the border. Texas has experienced record-breaking heat waves this summer and the tragedy speaks to the unspeakable conditions that migrants are experiencing.

The following statement is from Jeremy Robbins, executive director of the American Immigration Council:

“The American Immigration Council mourns this tragic loss of life and sends our condolences to each of the families of these victims. This tragedy is a stark reminder of the need for a humane immigration system where people are processed through ports of entry instead of subjecting themselves to dangerous methods of attempted entry.

“We continue to advocate against an array of cruel and inhumane policies including an end to Title 42, a policy that has reshaped border processing and created a patchwork of arbitrary and inconsistent outcomes for migrants. It has also enriched the cartels, driven up border crossings, and fueled a rise in chaos and death at the border. 

“We ask U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to ensure that any survivors are not deported and are instead paroled into the United States to seek U visas, an option for victims of crime and abuse.

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 For more information, contact:

Maria Frausto at the American Immigration Council, [email protected] or 202-507-7526.