A group of volunteers known as the Armadillos, mostly immigrants themselves, work together in the Arizona desert near the U.S.-Mexico border to search for missing migrants, including 21-year-old José Salinas Pineda. Equipped with supplies and only a few clues, the volunteers begin their search in the Sonoran Desert, a treacherous landscape where migrants face extreme heat and dangerous conditions. They are aware that the chances of finding Salinas Pineda alive are slim, given the harsh environment and the amount of time that has passed since he went missing.
The U.S.-Mexico border has become known as the deadliest land route for migrants worldwide, with a record number of migrant deaths recorded in recent years. The dangerous journey often proves fatal for many who attempt to cross the border, especially through remote areas like the Arizona desert. Despite efforts by government officials to provide safe pathways for migrants to enter the U.S., many are still guided by criminal organizations through treacherous routes, leading to increased risks of death and injury along the way.
Lucero Salinas Pineda, the sister of José Salinas Pineda, recounts her brother’s decision to migrate to the U.S. for work and safety after serving in the Mexican military. Concerned for his family’s safety in Mexico, Salinas Pineda embarked on the journey north in hopes of finding a better life. After being abandoned in the desert by smugglers, his family and volunteers like the Armadillos began a desperate search to find him. Despite the challenges and obstacles they face in locating missing migrants, they remain hopeful and determined to bring some closure to families like the Salinas Pinedas.
After a grueling nine-hour search in the Sonoran Desert, the Armadillos find water jugs, clothing, and other abandoned items left behind by migrants. However, there is no sign of José Salinas Pineda. Desperate for answers and unwilling to give up, his sister, Lucero, considers making the dangerous journey herself to search for her brother. Despite the dangers and uncertainties of the border, she remains hopeful that her brother is still out there somewhere, waiting to be found.
The continued efforts of volunteers like the Armadillos serve as a testament to the humanity and compassion that drives individuals to search for missing migrants in the unforgiving desert. Their selfless dedication to helping families find closure and answers in the face of tragedy is a reminder of the challenges and risks that migrants face in pursuing the American dream. Despite the dangers and hardships of the journey, families like the Salinas Pinedas hold onto hope that their loved ones will be found and reunited, even in the midst of uncertainty.
The story of Jose Salinas Pineda and his family sheds light on the personal and human impact of the migrant crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. It highlights the struggles, sacrifices, and challenges that many migrants face in pursuit of a better life, as well as the toll it takes on their families and loved ones left behind. Through the dedicated efforts of volunteers and advocates, there is still hope for finding missing migrants and providing closure to families who are searching for answers and resolution in the midst of a perilous and often deadly journey.
