Record Illegal Immigration Surge: The United States experienced the highest number of illegal crossings in a fiscal year in 2022, with over 2 million migrants stopped, largely due to political instability in Central and South America.
Extreme Smuggling Methods Revealed: Immigrants have resorted to dangerous and unconventional methods to cross borders, including hiding in toolboxes, mattresses, and even inside car engines, often risking their health and safety.
Tragic Incidents During Smuggling Attempts: In 2022, 53 migrants died in a tractor trailer in Texas due to extreme heat, highlighting the life-threatening conditions faced by those attempting illegal crossings.
Innovative but Dangerous Concealment Tactics: Smugglers have used various creative methods, such as hiding individuals in wooden compartments, waste containers, and even disguising them as car seats, to evade detection by authorities.
Desperation Drives Risky Decisions: Many immigrants are willing to take extreme risks, including cramming into tight spaces or burying themselves in garbage, to escape dire situations in their home countries.
Law Enforcement Challenges: Authorities continue to face difficulties in managing the influx of illegal crossings, with incidents of mass escapes and creative evasion tactics complicating enforcement efforts.