Migrant deaths in New Mexico near the U.S.-Mexico border have surged dramatically, with 108 bodies found in the first eight months of 2024, a tenfold increase compared to five years ago.

In 2023, the remains of 113 presumed migrants were discovered in New Mexico, a significant rise from just nine in 2020 and ten in 2019.

Experts attribute this alarming increase in fatalities to harsher treatment by smugglers and the use of more dangerous routes, especially during extreme summer heat.

Notably, nearly half of the deceased migrants this year were women, with the largest age group being women aged 20 to 29.

The majority of these deaths are occurring alarmingly close to urban areas, often just a short distance from roads, raising serious humanitarian concerns.

In response to the crisis, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has enhanced surveillance and rescue operations, deploying blimps and radar towers to monitor migration routes.

Despite these efforts, the Border Patrol has reported rescuing nearly 1,000 migrants in the past year, a significant increase from the previous year.

The University of New Mexico's Office of the Medical Investigator has expanded its team to manage the rising number of death cases, which are predominantly heat-related.

Climate change is exacerbating the situation, with record-high temperatures recorded in the El Paso area, reaching 109°F in June 2024.

Local authorities have also targeted human smuggling networks, resulting in the arrest of 16 individuals and the rescue of 91 trafficking victims.

Community organizations are stepping up efforts to provide aid, such as distributing water bottles in high-risk areas frequented by migrants.

As the November 5 presidential election approaches, immigration and border security remain critical issues for voters, though candidates are primarily focusing on enforcement rather than humanitarian solutions.