NCJ Number
219480
Journal
Criminology & Public Policy Volume: 6 Issue: 2 Dated: May 2007 Pages: 245-266
Date Published
May 2007
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This study evaluated the effectiveness of life-saving efforts performed under the Border Safety Initiative (BSI) program.
Abstract
Results indicated no overall reduction in migrant death rates since the implementation of the BSI program. On the other hand, an evaluation of the Border Search Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) teams and the 2003 Lateral Repatriation Program (LRP), which focused on returning apprehended migrants to less hazardous places along the border, were found to be effective in reducing migrant deaths. Since the United States Government continues to stand firm regarding increased restrictions on immigration and tightened border security, alternative means must be deployed to save migrants who are led across more treacherous routes to the United States. The findings of this study suggest that proactive programs designed to save migrant lives through harm reduction strategies can have a positive impact. It is suggested that the BORSTAR program be expanded and given a higher priority within all Southwest border sectors. It is also suggested that a more formal adoption of a prevention program such as situational crime prevention or problem-oriented policing could better inform life-saving efforts along the U.S.-Mexico border. Future research should focus on the refinement of life-saving programs along the U.S.-Mexico border. Data on the frequency of migrant deaths were gathered from State and national vital registration systems as well as from statistics compiled in the BSI Tracking System. Other data included the number of U.S. Border Patrol apprehensions, information on BORSTAR involvement in border deaths and rescues, and LRP data on migrant deaths. Data analysis relied on bivariate and multivariate analyses. Tables, figure, references, appendix