MIGRANT deaths near the US-Mexico border have increased tenfold in each of the last two years, compared with just five years ago, figures revealed today.

The deaths in New Mexico were largely caused by exhaustion, dehydration and malnourishment in the hot desert, canyons or mountains west of El Paso, Texas.

During the first eight months of 2024, the bodies of 108 presumed migrants, mostly from Mexico and Central America, were found near the border, often less than 10 miles from El Paso, according to the most recent data.

The remains of 113 presumed migrants were found in New Mexico in 2023, compared with nine in 2020 and 10 in 2019.

The University of New Mexico’s office of the medical investigator, which identifies the dead and conducts autopsies, said that the causes were almost always heat-related.

“Our reaction was sadness, horror and surprise because it had been very consistently low for as long as anyone can remember,” said Heather Edgar, a forensic anthropologist at the office.

Immigration and border security are among voters’ top concerns in the run-up to the November 5 presidential election, but the candidates have focused on keeping migrants out of the US and deporting those already there.

“People are dying close to urban areas, in some cases just 1,000 feet from roads,” noted Adam Isacson, an analyst at the non-governmental Washington Office on Latin America.

The increase in deaths comes as human-caused climate change increases the likelihood of heatwaves.

This year, the El Paso area had its hottest June ever, with an average temperature of 31.8°C.

June 12 and 13 saw daily record highs of 42.7°C.