The bodies of two individuals believed to be of Mexican origin were discovered in the Coahuila desert in northern Mexico after attempting an irregular crossing into the United States. The finding was reported by elements of the National Institute of Migration (INM) on Thursday, highlighting a tragic episode in the ongoing migration situation along the border.
In an official statement, INM detailed that the incident involved a group of 16 Mexicans who were abandoned by alleged human smugglers. The agency indicated that at least 12 migrants had successfully crossed into the United States, while four were left behind on Mexican soil. The revelation underscores the dangers faced by migrants who rely on unscrupulous operatives to facilitate border transits.
The discovery occurred in a desert region spanning the municipalities of Cuatro Ciénegas and Ocampo, where INM, coordinating with representatives from three branches of government, mounted a search operation. Authorities noted that two other individuals remained unaccounted for at the time of reporting, and a broader search effort was underway to locate them.
According to information from the field, the 16 migrants attempted to cross through the desert zone between Cuatro Ciénegas and Ocampo, only to be deserted by polleros, the term used for people who traffic in illegal immigration. In the wake of this event, the United States Customs and Border Protection Agency reported that 12 members of the group had been detained in the border area. The remaining four were said to have died after being abandoned during the crossing, prompting an immediate response from authorities.
Beta Ciudad Acuña Group units launched air and ground search operations in close coordination with federal, state, and municipal authorities. These efforts continued into the following day, with INM and interagency teams locating the remains of two migrants. The Beta Acuña team, along with other officials, maintained ongoing brigades aimed at locating the two missing individuals and ensuring a thorough examination of the desert area.
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador commented on the situation, noting a recent uptick in migrant flow after a decline linked to a previous regulatory measure. The discussion referenced the expiration of a U.S. policy that allowed rapid deportations in response to the pandemic, a context that continues to influence migration patterns in the region.
The broader migration dynamics in northern Mexico reflect an unprecedented volume of movement through the region, with authorities reporting continued efforts to manage the flow. Data from the prior fiscal year indicated a high level of undocumented crossings observed at the U.S. border, illustrating the ongoing challenges faced by migrants and the agencies responsible for border security and humane treatment. The recent events in Coahuila serve as a stark reminder of the risks associated with irregular border crossing attempts and the persistent vulnerabilities encountered by those seeking better opportunities in the United States.