Mexican ads warn migrants of heat

Avoid the hotter months, consulate tells its citizens
By CLAUDINE LoMONACO
Published: 05.19.2006

The Mexican consulate in Tucson produced the ads as a part of a media campaign it launched Thursday to reduce the number of Mexican citizens who die trying to illegally enter the United States each summer.

Consulate employees know there's little they can do to discourage a desperate father or mother from crossing into the United States, but "in the very least, we can try to convince them not to cross during summer," said consul spokesperson Alejandro Ramos.

Last year, the Tucson consulate, which serves Mexican citizens living in Pima and Pinal counties, processed a record 151 deaths of illegal immigrants, more than any other consulate along the border.

Between the drought and predicted high temperatures, consulate employees are bracing themselves for another record year. Since January, 44 people have died - a nearly 50 percent increase from last year.