YCSO reports 11 migrant deaths in the desert so far this year

34 migrants died attempting to cross into the U.S. through Yuma County's desert last year - FOX 9's Adam Klepp reports

YUMA, Ariz. (KECY, KYMA) - The Yuma County Sheriff's Office is reporting 11 migrant deaths so far this year in the Yuma County desert.

They also say the 911 distress calls are often coming from the migrants themselves.

The Sheriff’s office says the numbers are part of a recent growing trend of migrants attempting to cross into the U.S. through remote border areas, as 34 migrants died last year.

“It started in 2018, and every year it has gone up from there," Tania Pavlak explained.

According to the YCSO Chief Medical Examiner the cause of death is ruled as exposure to the elements or high temperatures.

Pavlak notes the majority have taken place in the summer months.

And in 2019, 12 total migrants died, just one more than this year which indicates 2022 could be the deadliest year on record.

Pavlak says the situation is yet another example of how the border crisis is impacting locals, as the calls from migrants strain resources.

“When our officers get these calls they are often out in remote areas of the desert. It does take time away from our officers and resources to the office,” Pavlak continued.