The US-Mexico border has been a hot spot for illegal immigration, with thousands of migrants crossing every year in search of better economic opportunities and safety from violence and persecution in their home countries. The journey to the border is dangerous and migrants face many risks, including the risk of assault, robbery, kidnapping, and exposure to extreme weather conditions. The US government has implemented policies to deter illegal immigration, but they have faced criticism from human rights organizations and have done little to address the root causes of migration.

A deadly fire at a migrant detention center in northern Mexico has claimed the lives of at least 39 people and left 29 others seriously injured. The facility was holding 68 men from Central and South America, with many hoping to cross into the United States once pandemic-related public health rules are lifted in May. Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has suggested the fire was caused by migrants setting mattresses on fire in protest at being deported. Local media reports have indicated tensions between the detained migrants and staff at the facility prior to the fire.