Deaths rise along U.S. border
Security has been tighter along the U.S.-Mexico border since thousands of National Guard troops were deployed there more than a year ago. But the number of illegal immigrants dying as they make the treacherous crossing in Arizona is higher than ever.
Despite the National Guard presence, human smugglers continue to try to move people across the border, compounding the loss of life in the Arizona desert.
The Border Patrol says the number of deaths will decline when its agents gain "operations control" of the border. Human rights groups say the deaths will continue until Congress passes legislation allowing people to cross the border legally.
TED ROBBINS for NPR's Day to Day.