Migrant remains unrecovered in New Mexico desert despite reports
Jan 13, 2026 · Santa Teresa, NM

Volunteer searchers with Battalion Search and Rescue have documented dozens of sites containing migrant skeletal remains in the New Mexico desert west of El Paso, with some sites remaining unrecovered for over 18 months after being reported to authorities. The group reported finding human remains or personal effects at 15 locations that were marked on government maps as cleaned-up sites, and disputes official figures showing a sharp drop in migrant remains recovered, claiming several sites they reported in late 2024 were actually recovered but not counted in official statistics.
Sources
More incidents in New Mexico
- Woman detained by ICE while baby on oxygen sat in back seatAug 20, 2026 · Santa Fe, NM
- Father with U visa detained by ICE outside Santa Fe clinic while taking child to doctorAug 20, 2026 · Santa Fe, NM
- Grandmother detained by ICE while heading to infant's medical appointment in Santa FeAug 19, 2026 · Santa Fe, NM
- Grandfather detained seven months by ICE, missed daughter's birth and granddaughter's arrivalAug 4, 2026 · Los Lunas, NM
- Iranian detainee Houman Rashidy ordered released after 13 months in custody, judge grants habeas reliefJul 27, 2026 · Torrance County, NM
- Green card holder Martha Sias arrested by ICE in Chaparral after viral detention videoJul 16, 2026 · Chaparral, NM