28 JUN 2022

Immigration Hub Statement on the Deaths of 48 Migrants in San Antonio 

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, federal law enforcement announced that at least 48 migrants were found dead in an abandoned tractor-trailer in San Antonio in what appears to be the most deadly incident in recent years for migrants near the southern border. At least 16 migrants, including children, were found injured and currently receiving aid in San Antonio. Immigration Hub’s Executive Director, Sergio Gonzales, released the following statement about the horrific human tragedy: 

“Our hearts ache for the unspeakable human tragedy in San Antonio last night and our prayers are with the victims, their families, and those injured who are still fighting for their lives. Every measure must be taken to provide support to the survivors of this horrific event, and ensure the deceased are reunited with their loved ones. 

“The loss of 48 migrants, the most deadly incident in recent years for migrants near our southern border, is a powerful and heartbreaking reminder of the devastating impact draconian policies, such as Title 42 and ‘Remain in Mexico’,  have on children and families. Even as authorities investigate the tragic incident, some Republicans like Texas Governor Abott can’t even utter condolences, and instead continue to dehumanize migrants as they have been with their rhetoric and political stunts. From busing migrants to Washington, D.C to creating chaos at ports of entry, Gov. Abbott represents the senseless, divisive and xenophobic GOP playbook to undermine our immigration and asylum systems while playing with human lives. 

“At every juncture of efforts for commonsense immigration reform, Republicans have either used the courts to maintain Trump-era cruel policies, passed state laws to separate families and undermine efforts to rebuild our immigration system, or blocked publicly-supported policy solutions in Congress. We cannot ignore that the vast majority of Republican members of Congress have stood as roadblocks to a path to citizenship, ensuring families remain together, and resources to manage migration, create legal channels for individuals to apply for their home country , and reduce the backlog. By dismantling our asylum system and shutting down legal pathways, these policies are complicit in encouraging dangerous journeys that put migrants in the hands of human smugglers looking to exploit their desperation. 

“Yesterday’s tragedy demonstrates that the administration must accelerate work to build a more fair and humane immigration system that ensures those seeking freedom and safety are given a fair process to come to this country. Instead of working to codify Title 42, Congress must act to strengthen our asylum system, put an end to harmful policies which deny families the right to a safe and fair asylum process, and invest in the administration’s plan to manage migration and the border, centering the safety of refugees and migrants.”

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The Immigration Hub is a national organization dedicated to advancing fair and just immigration policies through strategic leadership, innovative communications strategies, legislative advocacy and collaborative partnerships.