Twelve Migrant Remains Found in Arizona

Humane Borders reported the discovery of 12 migrant remains in the Arizona desert during October, a monthly total that deviates from historical patterns. The group stated this figure is unusually high for the season, as summer months typically record the highest number of recoveries due to extreme heat.

Federal agencies declined to renew permits for a dozen water stations operated by the organization, concluding a partnership that lasted 25 years. These stations were located on federal land managed by the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and Fish and Wildlife. Octavio Fuentes, the executive director of Humane Borders, confirmed the removal but noted it is too early to determine if the closures contributed to recent deaths.

Fuentes described the October count as anomalous because peak recovery months are usually June and July. He added that 10 of the 12 remains found in October were estimated to be between six and eight months old, while the most recent discovery was five weeks old. This year, the organization has located the remains of 101 migrants, with 38 of those found on federal land. July remains the highest month for recoveries so far, with 19 found.

A petition seeking the restoration of the water station permits has collected more than 1,000 signatures. Humane Borders indicated that 70% of its water stations remain operational in other areas of the desert.