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Dear John, Yesterday evening, a tractor-trailer was found near Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio containing at least 50 people whose lives were lost and an additional 16 others who have been taken to hospitals, according to local officials. This tragedy appears to be the deadliest migrant-smuggling operation in U.S. history. The American Immigration Council mourns this tragic loss of life and sends our condolences to each of the families of these victims. Texas has experienced record-breaking heat waves this summer and this tragedy speaks to the unspeakable conditions that migrants are experiencing. This tragedy is a stark reminder of the need for a humane immigration system where people are processed through ports of entry instead of subjecting themselves to dangerous methods of attempted entry. We continue to advocate against an array of cruel and inhumane policies, including an end to Title 42, a policy that has reshaped border processing and created a patchwork of arbitrary and inconsistent outcomes for migrants. It has also enriched the cartels, driven up border crossings, and fueled a rise in chaos and death at the border. 2021 was the deadliest year on record for the border. We also ask that our network join us in asking Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to ensure that any survivors are not deported and are instead paroled into the U.S. to seek U visas, an option for victims of crime and abuse. |
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