The big picture: Hundreds of migrants have died at the southern border in recent years, with 557 deaths recorded by the US Border Patrol in fiscal year 2021.
Earlier this year, 53 migrants died inside a tractor-trailer in San Antonio, Texas in one of the deadliest border incidents involving migrants in modern history, according to the AP. Two men were later indicted on charges that include conspiracy to transport and transporting illegal immigrants resulting in death.
What they’re saying: “This is cruelty. And it’s scary,” tweeted John Madlin, the chief patrol agent for the Tucson Sector of the US Border Patrol.
Modlin said agents found the infant unresponsive in the Sonoran Desert, but “were able to revive him and prevent tragedy.” “The ruthlessness of the smugglers cannot be underestimated,” he added.
