Migrants continue crossing into the country despite extreme heat conditions
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10-year-old Sara is getting used to her new surroundings.
She is staying at the McAllen respite center in McAllen with her family, and has big dreams.
“When I grow up, I want to be a doctor,” the Venezuelan migrant said. “Because I want to help all the kids who are scared to go to the doctor, because I’m the same way"
Sara and her family spent the last two months traveling through several countries to get to the U.S. on foot.
It's a difficult trek, and the summer heat only made it more difficult.
“We were sweating, my little dog and I were both super-hot,” Sara recalled.
Sara's story is not uncommon, especially this time of year.
Border Patrol officials have yet to release official numbers for heat-related rescues for the RGV sector, but they said agents are busy tending to migrants suffering from heat related stress.
“The temperatures have been unrelenting, it's extremely dangerous for the migrants as well,” Border Patrol agent Greg Aldaya said. “They never come with enough water. A lot of times they are starved by the smugglers, so it can be very challenging for them.”
Migrant crossings are also keep local law enforcement busy.
The Hidalgo County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office logged 437 migrant encounters since June 2023.
“We've had a lot of them come up to us seeking assistance, we've had females that have pregnant that have come into labor at times,” Hidalgo County Precinct 3 Constable Larry Gallardo said. “With the conditions there are, they're all ho — especially the women and children. You can tell that they've maybe not had a drink of water for hours."
Sister Norma Pimentel says summer is usually the busiest for Catholic Charities staff members, but this summer is different.
“This summer has been like no other summer before because the heat has been terrible,” Pimentel said, adding that humanity goes a long way for people like Sara.
“One thing we must never forget is that they're human beings, they're people,” Pimentel said.
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