- Harsh environmental conditions: The US-Mexico border region is a desert, with high temperatures and little water. This can make it difficult for migrants to survive, especially if they are not properly prepared.
- Lack of food and water: Migrants often travel for long distances without access to food or water, which can lead to malnutrition and dehydration.
- Violence: The US-Mexico border is a dangerous area, with high levels of violence. Migrants are often targeted by criminals, including human traffickers and smugglers, who may rob, assault, or even kill them.
- Detention and deportation: Migrants who are apprehended by US authorities are often detained in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. They may also be deported, which can be a traumatic experience and can lead to further hardship.
The number of deaths at the US-Mexico border has increased in recent years, as more and more migrants have attempted to cross the border in search of a better life. In 2019, there were an estimated 283 deaths at the border, the highest number in more than a decade.