Each year, thousands of clandestine migrants attempt to cross the U.S.-Mexico border to reach destinations throughout the United States. This practice dates back to the 1880s, when the U.S. Congress passed the country’s first restrictive immigration laws. At this time, various populations became unable to enter the country through official ports of entry. In response, some of these individuals hired smugglers and looked for clandestine ways to enter U.S. territory. Over time, the U.S. federal government has passed more restrictive immigration laws and allocated resources toward enforcing these laws, with migrants continuing to turn to smugglers and clandestine routes to enter U.S. territory.

Clandestine migrants’ journeys into the United States can vary depending on where they cross the U.S.-Mexico border. This report analyzes clandestine migration in West Texas and New Mexico, which corresponds with the Border Patrol’s El Paso and Big Bend sectors. It seeks to answer three research questions. First, how do clandestine migrants make their way into the United States through this region? Second, what risks do migrants face during each phase of their clandestine journey? Finally, third, who are the people facilitating clandestine migration in West Texas and New Mexico?

To answer these questions, we use a mixed methods approach. We primarily rely on two novel datasets—a Smuggling Incident dataset and a Migrant Testimony dataset—to explore the different migration phases and understand smuggler demographics. For analysis on migrant risks, we utilize a person-level Border Patrol dataset and local-level datasets that document migrant deaths. Additionally, to fill in any gaps, we conducted 13 interviews with law enforcement, legal professionals, academics, and journalists. Overall, this analysis focuses on the period from 2014 to 2024.