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Contact Info

(520) 398-5053

info@humaneborders.org

P.O. Box 27024

Tucson, AZ 85726

Humanity

Before

Politics

A MESSAGE THIS season of GIVING

Dear Friends of Humane Borders,

For almost 25 years, Humane Borders has saved lives and worked to take death out of the immigration equation. We are a nonpartisan organization powered by private donations and dedicated volunteers. We operate lifesaving water stations throughout Southern Arizona, and our water is for everyone. Our roots are faith-based; our mission is to save lives and reduce suffering.

4,316 migrants have died while crossing Arizona's Sonoran Desert, and these are just those we know about. No one should die a horrible death from dehydration and exposure while seeking safety and a better life. Let the courts decide, not the desert.

Our EIN# is 80-5033532. Thank you for your support!

DONATE & HELP

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WHO WE ARE and what we do

Humane Borders operates a series of dozens of permitted water stations in the Sonoran Desert, along the Arizona/Mexico border wall and routes used by migrants making the perilous journey here on foot. Our primary mission is to save desperate people from death by dehydration and exposure, while also working to create a more just and humane border. Since 2000, 4,316 men, women, and children have died in Arizona while fleeing violence and poverty in their home countries. Many more individuals go missing and are never found.

Humane Borders works with government and private land owners and managers to make water and other lifesaving resources available to migrants, families seeking asylum, and anyone who finds themselves in the unforgiving Arizona desert with no water. Our water stations consist of 55-gallon blue barrels with a 30-foot blue flag that's visible for miles, with blue as the universal symbol for water.

Founded in the summer of 2000, Humane Borders, Inc. is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with the support of hundreds of volunteers, Pima County, and the City of Tucson. Our focus is humanitarian assistance and reducing death and suffering in the borderlands. Donations to Humane Borders are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Funding for our lifesaving work comes primarily from individual donors, religious groups, and other nonprofit organizations.

Water is life, and no one should die because they don't have clean, safe drinking water. Join us in putting humanity before politics.

LEARN MORE

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As of december 2024, 4,316 migrants have died while crossing the vast Arizona Sonoran Desert. Many more haven't been found.

Humane Borders operates a series of dozens of permitted water stations in the Sonoran Desert, along the Arizona/Mexico border wall and routes used by migrants making the perilous journey here on foot. Our primary mission is to save desperate people from death by dehydration and exposure, while also working to create a more just and humane border. Since 2000, more than 4,316 men, women, and children have died in Arizona while fleeing violence and poverty in their home countries. Many more individuals go missing and are never found.

Water is life, and no one should die because they don't have clean, safe drinking water. Join us in putting humanity before politics.

DEATH MAPS

Instagram Live Feed

There’s still time to make a difference this #GivingTuesday! We’re close to reaching our goal to keep our trucks on the road and deliver lifesaving aid in the desert. Don’t wait—give hope today! Link in our bio 💙 #HumaneBorders #SaveLives #LastChance”
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Giving Tuesday is here! 💙 Join Humane Borders in saving lives in the Sonoran Desert. Our goal is to raise $5,000 to keep our trucks running and water flowing. Our water is for everyone, and we rely on donations to support our lifesaving work. Every donation counts—be a part of our mission today! The link to give is in our bio 🙏💧 #GivingTuesday #HumaneBorders #SaveLives #BeTheChange
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Tomorrow is #GivingTuesday! Help us reach our goal of raising $5,000 to keep our trucks on the road and our mission strong. Every dollar fuels lifesaving humanitarian aid in the desert. Donate today and be part of the change #HumaneBorders #GiveBack #SaveLives #GivingTuesday #Giving #BeTheChange
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Four young women seeking asylum are processed by a female Border Patrol agent near Yuma, Arizona. In the video they are shown removing their shoelaces, as ordered by CBP. Now, Arizona Congressman Raul Grijalva, the ACLU, and humanitarian groups are urging CBP to return migrants’ possessions (including their shoelaces) as they are deported. Compliance with this August 2024 directive has been spotty at best, leaving people without jackets, baby blankets, shoelaces, and in some cases valuable possessions as they are dropped off by bus in Mexico. We need to stop this needlessly cruel practice #deportation #asylum #border #yuma #arizona
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Our trucks take a beating in the desert and that means $$$ for maintenance. Please consider donating to Humane Borders 💙this #givingtuesday as well as other deserving southern Arizona humanitarian groups: @nomoredeaths_nomasmuertes @tucsonsams @the_florenceproject @salvavision and others. Thank you for making the world a kinder place #giving #givingback #thankful #thanksgiving #kindness #border #humanitarian 🙏🍁🦃
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A humane border takes many forms 🐕—today we fed some stray dogs who cross the border every morning from Mexico to San Luis, Arizona. They left with full bellies and wagging tails 🥰 If you would like to support our lifesaving work, please consider a donation this Giving Tuesday by clicking the link in our bio #borderlife #dogsofinstagram #humaneborders #dogs #weratedogs #arizona #border #sanluisarizona #yuma #lovedogs #humanity (photo by @23soyfernando)
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We’re seeing a recent surge of vandalism of our water stations. Some extremists view humanitarian aid as political (it’s moral) and want to deny water to fellow human beings. Using a drill, they cut holes in barrels and throw down our flags 😢 Each barrel costs $100 to replace. If you’d like to send a message that this is criminal activity is not okay, please donate to replace a blue barrel at humaneborders.org. We will not be deterred from our mission of saving lives🙏💙 #hatersgottahate #militia #stopthehate #vandals #humanitarian #savinglives #waterforeveryone 💦
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Former Border Patrol agent Jenn Budd on how Humane Borders water stations save lives 💙 Our water is for everyone: migrants, hunters, hikers, RVers, and Border Patrol agents. Water is a human right, and we are committed to no more suffering and deaths in Arizona’s borderlands. Join us! 💦 #waterforeveryone #waterislife #savinglives #arizona #safety #humanitarian #survival #borderlife #kindnessmatters
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Today, we bring you the heart of Humane Borders: our volunteers and supporters 💙 Every day, our dedicated team works together to load water and supplies, and journey into the desert to provide lifesaving aid. We ensure water, compassion, and support reach those who need it most💧🌵 #BehindTheScenes #HumanitarianAid #CommunitySupport #GiveBack #SavingLives #HumanityOverPolitics
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This is a map of southern Arizona. Each red 🔴 represents where one or more migrants have died while seeking safety or a better life. These are men, women, and children—more than 4,300 remains since the year 2000. And these are the deaths we know about 😭 One of the hardest parts of our work is receiving and mapping the data each month. We use this data to create posters in shelters in northern Mexico to warn about the danger of crossing. Our data also helps inform the public about the tragic results of U.S. border policies. At Humane Borders, our mission is to prevent future deaths ✝️🙏 To learn more, please click the link in the bio #humaneborders #migrantdeaths #deathmap #nomasmuertes #savinglives #humanitarian #immigration #migration #border #arizona
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This is why we do what we do 💙💦 #savinglives #waterislife #humanitarian #migrantdeaths #nomoredeaths #compassion #borderkindness
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At Humane Borders, we believe everyone deserves access to life-saving resources. For migrants making dangerous journeys, dehydration and exposure are constant risks. For almost 25 years, Humane Borders has placed water stations in remote desert areas, offering vital relief and helping prevent deaths. Water is life and our water is for everyone. Now more than ever, we must choose humanity over politics💧💙 #HumanitarianAid #HumaneBorders #SaveLives #BorderCompassion #DesertAid #HumanRights #WaterIsLife #Humanity
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When’s the last time you changed a flat tire? We get a LOT of flats in the desert due to rough roads and sharp rocks. Joel puts on a weekend clinic for Humane Borders drivers and new volunteers—because there’s no AAA in the middle of nowhere 😁🌵🛞#humaneborders #goingthedistance #flattire #drivertraining #beprepared #safety #desert #fourwheeling #arizona #backroads #savinglives
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Sadly, the number of migrant deaths reported by the Pima County, Arizona Coroner in October was 10 😢 Recently found individuals grouped by PMI (Post Mortem Interval): 2 dead less than a day 1 dead less than 1 week 3 dead less than 5 weeks 1 dead less than 3 months 2 dead less than 6-8 months 1 dead more than 6-8 months 9 individuals were newly identified by name (1,565 cases remain unidentified) A map of the remains reported in October is at https://humaneborders.info/latest/ Total deaths currently recorded in our database (since 2000) is 4,308. We will continue our lifesaving work until there are no more deaths in Arizona’s land of open graves ✝️😭 #humaneborders #nomoredeaths #savinglives #waterisahumanright #lovenothate #border #humanity #migrantes #immigrant #waterislife
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Since 2000, Humane Borders has worked to save migrant lives in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert. Our commitment is unwavering. Will you join us? Volunteer by emailing info@humaneborders.org. Because compassion for our fellow humans matters—now, more than ever 💦🙏💙 #humaneborders #savinglives #compassion #kindness #integrity #humanity #perseverence #hope #nevergiveup
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Our first international media day was a success (!) with journalists from Ireland, Sweden, Hong Kong, and Bulgaria. More reporters are riding along with us tomorrow, as education is a key part of our mission. All are curious about what’s really going on at the Arizona/Mexico border in light of Tuesday’s election. One journalist offered, “the hate and fear mongering are the same back home” 😞 #humaneborders #globalmigration #truth #journalism #goingthedistance #border #notaninvasion #refugees #asylum #humanityoverpolitics
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Love > hate (as seen at the Arizona-México border on 10.28.24) #humaneborders #border #peace #hope #savinglives #compassion #asylumisahumanright #makeamericakindagain
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#DYK: the border wall can be cut in minutes by human smugglers with a metal saw. We see sections of wall where the vertical beams (known as bollards) have been cut dozens of times. Fact: People seeking safety are most often crossing in places where there ALREADY IS a border wall. This welder we encountered near Lukeville, Arizona gets about three calls a day to repair cuts to the wall. Last year that number was as high as 15! Welders along the southern Arizona border have job security for life, yet some think building more walls is the solution 🤦‍♀️ Please share and don’t be fooled by those who say we need to spend billions of $$ and destroy the environment in the name of “border security” 🤯#wallsdontwork #factsmatter #borderlife #immigration #borderwall #bootsontheground #humaneborders #waterislife
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It may be hot and the roads are crazy steep, but when people need water, we’re here for it 💦💕 #humaneborders #savinglives #waterislife #humanitarian #actsofkindness #humanity #goodvibes #arizona #borderlife
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We are in solidarity with those who view Arizona’s Prop 314 (the so-called “Secure the Border Act”) as harmful for our brothers and sisters and our Arizona communities. This initiative on the November ballot invites racial profiling, will cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars, and is opposed by church groups, chambers of commerce, and both candidates for Pima County Sheriff. It takes law enforcement away from keeping our communities safe by requiring them to enforce laws that are the purview of the federal government. Please join us in advocating for safer communities and a more just and humane border 🫶🏽✊🏼#humaneborders #NoOnProp314 #noracism #safety #arizona #border #racialequality @acluofarizona @aclu_nationwide @derechoshumanosaz #migrationisahumanright #immigration #tucson #justice #socialjustice
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Challenge: how to keep water cool and drinkable in triple-digit heat? 💦🥵 Here, Tom demonstrates one method, using a combination of shade and insulation—also a metal stand to lift barrels off the hot desert floor. We are all continuous testing and improving our work #humaneborders #innovation #datascience #savinglives #waterislife
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This is the painful reality of what we witness at the border all too often. A man was deported by the U.S. to Nogales, Sonora—both feet so riddled with blisters he could hardly walk. He said @cbpgov did nothing to treat his injuries. Humanitarian Jane S, who arranged medical care for him at a Nogales shelter, says “people need to see the suffering people go through to have a better life” 😢 The cruelty and dehumanizing of people seeking safety must stop 🛑 #humaneborders #nogales #mexico #border #deportation #reality #borderpatrol #asylum #makeamericakindagain
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The number of migrant deaths reported by the Pima County Coroner’s Office in September 2024 was 16 😢 Recently found individuals grouped by PMI (Post Mortem Interval): 1 dead less than a day 4 dead less than 1 week 1 dead less than 3 weeks 1 dead less than 5 weeks 1 dead less than 3 months 1 dead less than 6-8 months 7 dead more than 6-8 months A map of the remains reported in September is at https://humaneborders.info/latest/ Total deaths currently recorded in our database is 4,300. We dream of a day when there are no more deaths in Arizona’s land of open graves 🌵✝️ #rip #humaneborders #deathmap #nomoredeaths #border #waternotwalls #waterislife #humanitarian #nohumanisillegal #wallsdontwork
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#DYK: @cbpgov continues to deport children across the Arizona-Mexico border with no shoelaces, no spare clothing, no baby formula, no diapers. Medications and personal belongings are often not returned (a claim check doesn’t work if you’ve been deported.) Here, a humanitarian hands out shoelaces and ties a child’s shoes in Nogales, Mexico—it’s one small step toward creating a more humane border 🙏 #nogalessonora #asylumseekers #border #borderpatrol #migrantes #humanitarian #humanity #whencrueltyisthepoint
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How we spent our Saturday: there’s no greater joy than helping friends in need. Water is a human right 💦👊 #humaneborders #saturdayvibes #water #waterislife #waternotwalls #humanity #kindness #arizona #border
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We are sad to report that 22 migrant deaths were reported by the Pima and Maricopa County Medical Examiners in Arizona for August 2024 😢 9 had been dead less than a day 2 dead less than 1 week 2 dead less than 6-8 months 1 dead more than 6-8 months 8 still determining length of time before discovery Total: 22 Of the 7 Maricopa reported cases, 3 were from last year; the statistics for 2023 will show an increase from 197 to 200. Additionally, the remaining 4 reported Maricopa cases were from January 2024; therefore, the statistics will show an increase in January 2024 cases from 11 to 15. All 15 Pima cases were reported in August 2024. Updates for previous cases: 19 individuals newly identified by name (1,576 cases remain unidentified) A map of the remains reported in August 2024 is at https://humaneborders.info/latest/. The total number of individuals in our database FOR ARIZONA ALONE is 4,284. We will continue our work until there are no more deaths in Arizona’s land of open graves ✝️ #humaneborders #nomoredeaths #nomasmuertes #migration #migracion #deathmap #arizona #rip #savinglives #humanity
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Welcome to our new followers! 👋 We’re an Arizona nonprofit dedicated to saving lives and creating a more just and humane border. We believe all humans should be treated with dignity and that water 💦 is a human right, regardless of one’s immigration status. Our work is supported by donations and a small but mighty team of volunteers 💪🏼To donate, go to humaneborders.org, and to volunteer email info@humaneborders.org. We are blessed to have your support! 💙#humaneborders #volunteer #humanity #arizona #border #borderlife #gratitude
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Delivering water 💦 picking up trash, and helping those in need in the borderlands. We 💙 our volunteers! #humaneborders #borderlands #humanitarian #savinglives #compassion #kindness #volunteer
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We’re grateful that 15 of our water 💦stations in the Arizona desert have now been adopted! And there are more available that need sponsors. Your $1000 donation covers the costs of operating a blue barrel in the desert for one year. To view a list of stations and learn more about adoption, please click the link in our bio or go to humaneborders.org. Thank you for caring! 🙏 #humaneborders #adoptastation #savinglives #makeadifference #philanthropy #giving #givingback #border #immigration #humanity #goodvibes #kindness
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A powerful monsoon microburst near the border wall topples a water barrel and canopy 😳 Both were restored to their rightful place. Through it all our blue flag keeps flying! 👊🏼 #humaneborders #monsoon #azwx #organpipecactusnationalmonument #waterislife #wildweather #perseverance
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Many of our volunteers work during the week and are up before dawn on Saturdays and Sundays to deliver water in the desert and help migrants in need. The world needs more caring humans like this. Thank you volunteers!! 🙏💕 #humaneborders #humanitarian #border #borderlife #immigration #migracion #arizona #migrantstories #waterislife #waternotwalls
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In case you missed it: Humane Borders was featured on CNN’s “MisinfoNation” with Anderson Cooper last Sunday, joining us on a water run for a firsthand account. No, contrary to misinformation, people seeking asylum aren’t here to influence the election 🤦🏽‍♀️ they’re fleeing poverty and violence, seeking a better life and what we take for granted. Check out the replay this Saturday, 8 PM ET and look for us about 45 minutes in! #humaneborders #cnn #andersoncooper #misinformation #factcheck #border #bordertruth #compassion #immigration #immigrant #waterislife #waternotwalls #humanity
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Should we drive through these monster monsoon mudholes? 💦
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Heartbreaking 💔 We are deeply saddened to report 38 migrant deaths in Arizona for the month of July 2024–the highest number since July 2023 when the remains of 42 individuals were found. The Pima County Medical Examiner reports: 11 individuals dead less than a day 8 dead less than 1 week 3 dead less than 3 weeks 3 dead less than 5 weeks 3 dead less than 3 months 10 dead more than 6-8 months Total: 38 The remains of 3 migrants were found in May, and the updated number for June is 15. 10 individuals were newly identified by name in July, with 1,577 cases still unidentified. Total deaths currently recorded in our database (since the year 2000) is 4,262. These are all someone’s family member or loved one. These are the deaths that we know about; many more people go missing and are never found 😢 We need humane border policies that allow refugees to safely exercise their right to seek asylum. Full stop. A map of the remains reported in July 2024 is at https://humaneborders.info/latest/ #humaneborders #migrantdeaths #migration #arizona #nomoredeaths #waterislife #waternotwalls #rip #stopdeportations #savinglives #humanitybeforepolitics
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Thank you, @kanyaiwana, for adopting a Humane Borders water station! Your donation covers costs of fuel, water, and maintenance at the Poplar Grove station for one year. Our dozens of water stations in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert prevent migrant deaths and are a symbol of hope and compassion. No one should die in the desert because they don’t have access to clean, safe drinking water 💦 We have more stations available for adoption—to learn more about Humane Borders and to adopt a 55-gallon blue barrel go to humane borders.org or click the link in our bio. Thank you for caring 🙏💕#humaneborders #philanthropy #humanity #border #compassion #goodvibes #humanitarian #goodnews #kanyaiwana #gratitude
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Humane Borders driver Scott Larson often finds objects left by migrants in the desert. Now, through art, he shares what they mean to him: “This photograph is from a larger body of work that explores migrant invisibility/visibility. It amplifies what otherwise might go unnoticed in a vibrant desert scene – in this case an abandoned carpet shoe, which migrants often use to wipe away their footprints in the hopes of passing undetected through the Sonoran Desert. In this image, I render a hyper-saturated discarded artifact as a means of focusing attention on how migrants, if seen at all, are often envisioned in the abstract, not as manifest human beings.” Scott also shares an image of a framed hat as part of Humane Borders’ Community Art Unleashed project. Swipe to the third image for how to share your border art too! 🎨 #humaneborders #communityart #art #artforgood #savinglives #border #arizona #compassion #humanity #immigration
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Happiness is: when Amazon Wishlist donors buy colorful bandanas to provide instant cooling for people from all over the world 💦 To donate: click the link in our bio for humaneborders.org and go to Amazon Wishlist. Thank you for making the border a more humane place 🙏💕 #humaneborders #amazonwishlist #firstaid #cooling #beattheheat #humanitarian #unitycompassion #smallactsofkindness #love #photooftheday #inspiration (photo courtesy of @jane.storey.777)
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This is a “carpet shoe” found by Humane Borders volunteers in the desert, along with camouflage backpacks, black water jugs, toiletries, and even a small jar of jam. These are typical of items we find; carpet shoes are worn by migrant travelers to make footprints less visible. We save some migrant belongings for historical, artistic, and outreach purposes. We wonder: who was here and what was their fate?🙏 #humaneborders #migration #migracion #immigration #borderlife #refugees #thingsweleftbehind #waterislife #waternotwalls #humanizingtheborder
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Thank you Andrew Callaghan and @channel5 for reporting on the human side of the border—you keep it real 💯 Great to see you in Tucson, and hope to see you soon for a water run!💦🤙🏼 #humaneborders #waterislife #channel5 #savinglives #border #tucson #gratitude #humanity #kindness
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This simple act could save someone’s life—someone’s father, sister, mother, or child. Someone who matters. Humane Borders volunteers replenish dozens of permitted water 💦 stations in the Arizona desert to prevent migrant deaths. Because clean, safe drinking water is a human right. Join us in putting humanity before politics! 🙏👊🏼#humaneborders #compassion #waterislife #border #waternotwalls #arizona #onesecondeveryday #onesecondchallenge #savinglives #humanitarian #thisiswhoweare
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Humane Borders volunteers come from many walks of life. Mike Wilson, humanitarian and former Humane Borders volunteer, shares his experience as a lay pastor delivering water in the Arizona borderlands for 12 years: “My church was the desert. And my sermon was putting out water…I never had the blessing of the organized church, but you don’t need a PhD in theology to put out water where men, women, and children are suffering and dying. My ministry—my calling— was to put out water. Water is lifesaving. Water is the sacramental fluid of life. Water in the desert is the water of salvation”💦 (from “What Side Are You On: A Tohono O’odham Life Across Borders” with Jose Antonio Lucero, 2024) #humaneborders #whatsideareyouon #servinghumanity #church #desertlife #waterislife #savinglives #waternotwalls #everydayheroes #humanitarian #doingright #kindness #notallheroeswearcapes
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Calling all artists 🎨‼️Join us in our mission to save lives and create a more just and humane border. Submit your original artwork that reflects Humane Borders’ mission by Aug. 23 via our Google form or email. Your artwork will be featured on our website and on social media. And it may appear in a new line of Humane Borders merch 😍 Submissions guidelines: ✅ art must be original in its entirety ✅ keep it clean :) ✅ high-resolution digital file (Vector or PDF) ✅ include a brief description of your art and its inspiration ✅ scan the QR code for the Google form or email your entry to: humaneborders2024@gmail.com #humaneborders #art #artasactivism #artwork #artforchange #humanity #humanitybeforepolitics #artofinstagram #savinglives #waternotwalls
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Before and after: shade canopy after a monsoon storm, rebuilt by Humane Borders volunteers, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument #humaneborders #monsoon #organpipe #border #borderlife #savinglives #resilience
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Meet Scott, a 6th grade teacher from Iowa who is spending part of his summer as a volunteer for Humane Borders. He also volunteered last year, working with asylum seekers at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Why come to Arizona when it’s sweltering in the summertime? Scott says it’s all about helping others and saving lives. Thank you, Scott 🥰 #humaneborders #savinglives #border #humanitarian #volunteer #givingback #summergoals #teacherlife #iowa #arizona #kindnessmatters
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The remains of 14 migrants were found in the Arizona desert in the month of June 😞 It’s alarming to see this uptick after reporting 3 deaths in May. Sadly, 7 people had been dead less than a day and 2 less than a week. 3 individuals had been dead less than five weeks, one less than three months, and one more than 6-8 months. Eight people in our database were newly named, while 1,560 remain unidentified. A shocking 4,224 deaths have been reported by the Pima County Medical Examiner in the last two decades. These are the deaths we know about. We will continue our work until there are #nomoredeaths in Arizona’s land of open graves and broken dreams ✝️ 😢#humaneborders #rip #border #waternotwalls #immigration #migracion #arizona #pimacounty #humanity #compassion
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When your permitted water barrel is vandalized and shot 20 times 😞 It’s unconscionable that someone would deny water to a fellow human being. Hate crimes like this only strengthen our resolve to save lives #humaneborders #vigilante #border #hatersgonnahate #savinglives #humanitarian #waternotwalls #lovewins
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#DYK: Humane Borders does more than put water 💦 stations in the desert. We organize regular trash pickups to keep Arizona beautiful 🌵😍 #humaneborders #environment #trash #cleanup #beautification #arizona #ecoliving #savetheplanet #goinggreen
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A summer day in the desert🌵and Humane Borders volunteers are replenishing life giving water to save lives. Join us in putting humanity before politics 👊🏼 Because no one should die because they don’t have clean, safe drinking water 💦 #humaneborders #water #waterislife #savinglives #humanity #humanitarian #lovethyneighbor #empathy #lifegoals #purpose #meaning #waternotwalls
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Water for everyone💦 Delivering water in the Arizona desert is what we do, day in and day out. Our work is especially vital now that summer is officially here and temperatures are in the triple digits. Thank you for supporting our lifesaving work! #humaneborders #waterislife #summer #summersolstice #waternotwalls #humanitarian #kindness #savinglives #asylum #border #migrantes #waterforeveryone
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#DYK: you can now adopt a Humane Borders water station? A $1,000 donation covers the cost of maintaining a lifesaving water station in the Sonoran Desert for one year. Our deep gratitude to Sandi and Jenn for adopting the Ross Mine station, where one of our volunteers hung this rosary to give people comfort on their long journey 🙏 To learn more about adopting a station or supporting our mission in other ways, please go to humaneborders.org. Thank you for caring! #humaneborders #adoptastation #giving #humanitarian #savinglives #border #kindness #compassion #goodnews #waternotwalls 💦
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It’s shocking that some people would deny water to fellow humans in the desert. In this photo, a member of an extremist group demonstrates how to drain a Humane Borders barrel. This is a crime, and we report vandalism and threats as they occur. Our permitted barrels are also shot, stabbed, and stolen. Sometimes they’re defaced with hateful graffiti. The threat at the border isn’t people migrating—the far greater threat is political and anti-government extremists who harass humanitarians and deny lifesaving water to others #humaneborders #vandal #nomoredeaths #militia #paramilitary #extremists #vigilante #humanitarian #humanity #thehatenextdoor #whitesupremacyisterrorism
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A pregnant woman clutching her swollen belly in pain. Two women dry heaving in triple-digit heat. A mother nursing her 7-month-old baby. An elderly woman who could no longer walk, standing unsteadily in the shade of the border wall. This is the alarming situation we encountered today at the wall near Sasabe, Arizona. A group of about 30 people had no food or water and had been walking up and down the mountainous hills for hours. Toddlers were flushed from the heat. We pulled over and offered them cold water, wet cloths, food, and comfort. Two women wept uncontrollably. A short time later the Border Patrol arrived and loaded most who were struggling with heat into transport vans. Left behind were 30 more people stranded at a high desert camp in the middle of nowhere. 70% of people now presenting for asylum are families, and our government policies are funneling people away from safe ports of entry into dangerous, mountain terrain. People should not be suffering like this in America. This is the reality of our southern border 😢 #humaneborders #border #humanity #humanitybeforepolitics #immigration #asylum #asylumseekers #asylumisahumanright #heat #climatechange #arizona #refugees #humanity #compassion @potus
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Let’s give it up for this group from the United Church of Christ in Rochester, MN 👏👏out in 100 degrees today—cleaning and refilling water barrels in the desert 🌵💦#humaneborders #unitedchurchofchrist #minnesota #arizona #churchlife #rochestermn #humanitarian #summer #desert #waterislife #savinglives #hope #betheneighbor
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As temperatures soar past 100 degrees, our gratitude to southern Arizona humanitarians who are working together every day along the border to save lives. Join us in putting humanity before politics. Thanks to @doctorswithoutborders for telling our story #humaneborders #doctorswithoutborders #tucsonsams #gvsamaritarans #nomoredeaths #nomasmuertes #waterislife #border #humanitarian #savinglives #migrantes #border #arizona #sasabe #organpipe #kindness #volunteer #voluntariado #asylum
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At a makeshift migrant camp east of Sasabe, temperatures soared near 100 degrees over the weekend as families seeking asylum waited for hours, some for days, for Border Patrol pickup. Many were sleeping on the ground after long, arduous journeys. The only food was granola bars. We helped a man from Veracruz, Mexico rinse and fill an orange contractor bucket with water. His daughters, ages 11 and 6, were overheated and hadn’t washed in days. He and the girls’ mother discreetly bathed their children in the shade of this water tank—water and grime running down their legs and into the dust. The father wanted soap but there was none. This is the reality of what’s happening on the border as families travel to increasingly remote areas to seek asylum 😥#humaneborders #humanitarianaid #border #mexico #arizona #heatwave #asylumseeker #immigration #waterislife #waternotwalls
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The remains of three more human beings were found in the Arizona desert in the month of May. One migrant had been dead less than one day; one less then a week. The third person died about 6-8 months ago. Six individuals were newly identified, while 1,558 cases remain a mystery. Total migrant deaths in our database (for Arizona alone) is 4,210. These are someone’s mother, father, sister, brother, son, or daughter. We will continue our work until there are no more deaths in Arizona’s land of open graves. To learn more about the Humane Borders/Pima County Medical Examiner death mapping project, click on the link in our bio ✝️ #humaneborders #rip #migrantes #migrantdeaths #nomoredeaths #waternotwalls #humanitarianaid #nomasmuertes #arizona #tucson #waterislife #waternotwalls
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Delivering water, food, emergency communications, and compassion for families in need #humaneborders #border #asylumseekers #humanitarian #arizona #migrants #kindness #compassion #mission saturdaymotivation #findingyourpurpose
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We are sad to report that our furry friend Sweetie has crossed the rainbow bridge 😢 This wonderful soul came into our lives in June 2013, when our ops manager @joelsmith2662 spotted her playing with children near the Humane Borders office in South Tucson. On subsequent days, Joel arrived at the truck yard at 4:30 AM to service our water trucks, finding Sweetie curled up sleeping nearby. Realizing she had no home, we sprang into action, cutting off her too-tight collar with no tags. We took her to a vet for shots, then built a makeshift dog run and kennel, still hoping to find an owner. Our new friend joined us on a Christmas Day water run. She was later adopted by a Humane Borders volunteer and her husband, who gave her many happy years. Last summer, Sweetie was diagnosed with bone cancer and her left front leg was amputated. The recovery was tough at first, but our brave friend shouldered through it and adjusted to life on three legs. She had six more beautiful months and enjoyed life to its fullest. Sweetie passed away on June 6, 2024, in the presence of her loving family. Our brave mascot and tripod dog was an inspiration to all, given her resilience living on the streets and her love of life in her final months. Rest in peace, Sweetie. You are forever loved 🌈❤️‍🩹 #rip #rainbowbridge #loveofdogs @weratedogs #dogs #dogsofinstagram #doginstagram #bestfriends #adoptdontshop @compassionwithoutborders #kindness
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NEW: Now you can adopt a Humane Borders water station! 💦 A $1,000 donation will fund the cost of maintaining and delivering water to one of our blue barrels in the desert for one year. You get to choose which barrel you would like to support, and donors can be anonymous if you prefer. For more information and to see available barrels for adoption, click the link in our bio or go to humaneborders.org. Thank you for caring 🙏💦#humaneborders #adoptawaterstation #border #desert #savinglives #dehydration #water #waterislife #waternotwalls #asylum #asylumseekers #immigration #compassion #goodnews #kindness
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The dark blue blanket (top, first photo) is ordinarily used to protect Humane Borders water stations at Organ Pipe from heat and sun. This blanket also served as a traveler’s resting place. We often find items and scenes like this in the desert. We wonder: who was here? What compelled them to risk it all to come here? Where are they now? ❤️‍🩹 #humaneborders #humane #migration #asylum #asylumisahumanright #immigration #compassion #border #lukeville #organpipe #arizona #waterislife 💦
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We’re proud to provide water and support walkers on the Migrant Trail Walk, a 75-mile journey from the Sasabe port of entry to Tucson. Thank you for raising awareness of the crisis of migrant deaths in Arizona 🙏❤️‍🩹
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Why do people walk 75 miles in more than 100 degrees in the Arizona desert? The Migrant Trail Walk is to raise awareness of the number of migrant deaths in Tucson’s own backyard: 4,207 men, women, and children since the Humane Borders death mapping project began. We caught up with Saulo Padilla from Indiana, who had just completed the longest leg of the journey from the border town of Sasabe, Arizona to Tucson. This is his 14th trail walk and we asked what compels him to walk #humaneborders #migranttrailwalk #nomoredeaths #migrants #migrantes #migrantdeaths #tucson #sasabe #humanitarian #speakup
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We love our student field trips! Education is a major part of our mission, and today we hosted 16 medical students and professors and administrators from two medical schools: @uncchapelhill and @loyolachicago. We visited several water stations around Arivaca, where students were eager to contribute the humanitarian work of Humane Borders. We met with humanitarians People Helping People and Arivaca Borderlands Support, learning about the work they do to aid migrants escaping from violence, poverty, and climate change. Good work everybody! #humaneborders #peoplehelpingpeople #arivacaborderlandssupport #arivaca #waterrun #studentlife #students #medicalstudent #medicalschool #education #fieldtrip #waterislife #loyola #uncchapelhill @crispaz1984
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#DYK: Humane Borders often provides water and shade for search and recovery teams in Arizona. Here, searchers with @aguilas.busquedayrescate take a lunch break under shade canopies provided by Humane Borders. The subject of the search, south of Interstate 8, was a 24-year-old migrant who was left behind in March and never seen again. Sadly, he has not yet been found 😢 #searchandrecovery #search #searchandrescue #angelesdeldesierto #angelsofthedesert #waterislife #humaneborders #humanity #arizona #migrantes #everydayheroes #compassion
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This week Humane Borders visited two shelters in northern Mexico—one for families, and one for men only. Our maps of migrant deaths are posted in shelters along the Arizona/Mexico border to inform travelers about the perils of crossing in the desert. It’s heartening to see the efforts of Ajo-based humanitarian groups and shelter residents to build community and support one another as they await asylum appointments and an uncertain future 🙏 #humaneborders #sonorandesert #arizona #sonoyta #mexico #nomoredeaths #shelter #humanitarian #cbpone #refugees #migration #kindness
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Teamwork makes the dream work 🙌 Fernie from Yuma and Gene from Ajo, both Humane Borders volunteers, meet to trade information, food items, shade canopies and other supplies so we can ensure our donations are going where they’re most needed. If you’re interested in contributing to our Amazon Wish List, please go to humaneborders.org or click the link in the bio #humaneborders #azcahumanitariancoalition #ajo #yuma #organpipe #humanitarian #waternotwalls #border #humanitarianaidisneveracrime
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A big part of what we do is bearing witness to what’s happening along the border. Here, we observe as Border Patrol agents line up and direct asylum seekers into vans in a remote area near Sasabe, Arizona. This ensures everyone is treated respectfully—one way we help create a more just and humane border 🙏 #humaneborders #bearingwitness #asylum #asylumseekers #border #arizona #sasabe #migration #humanitarian #savinglives #waternotwalls
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The number of migrant deaths reported by the Pima County Medical Examiner for April 2024 was 8 😢 2 were dead less than a day, 2 less than a week, 1 less than 5 weeks, and 3 more than 6-8 months. Four individuals in our database were newly-identified. Sadly, an astonishing 1,562 cases remain unidentified. We will continue our work until migrating people are no longer dying on U.S. soil #humaneborders #deathmap #migrantdeaths #nomoredeaths #nomasmuertes #arizona #killingfields #tucsonsector #humanitarian #rip #missingperson #migrantes
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A day in the desert with volunteers servicing two water💦 runs near Tucson—one, at Ironwood and another near Arivaca. We’re seeing an uptick in water use at our remote water stations as temperatures touch 90 degrees. Everywhere we go we look for signs of people crossing the desert, like this rosary with a broken cross (last photo) #humaneborders #savinglives #sonorandesert #humanitarian #waternotwalls #waterislife #arivaca #ironwood #arizona
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We’re at the “Climate Change and Human Mobility” conference @stanford. Thank you, Ana and Dora, for representing us so well! #humaneborders #stanford #graduateschoolofbusiness #climatechange #migration #immigration #waternotwalls #waterislife
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Summer is upon us, and that means visiting our Ironwood water stations several times a week in preparation for a long, hot summer. While this area is ~60 miles north of the Arizona/Mexico border, we find black jugs left behind by those traveling through this remote stretch of Sonoran Desert. It’s physically impossible to carry enough water to survive a journey of this distance, so people must find sources along the way. We wonder what became of those who were here 🙏❤️‍🩹 #humaneborders #humanitarian #savinglives #summer #ironwood #waterislife #waternotwalls #migration #volunteer #kindness
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The Migrant Journey: Medical Update from the Arizona-Mexico border. More than a dozen humanitarian groups joined forces for a screening of the indie film “The Long Walk of Carlos Guerrero,” as well as community tabling and a panel on unmet migrant medical needs, featuring Doctors Without Borders. We have a long, hot summer ahead but we are stronger together 👊🏼 #humaneborders #doctorswithoutborders #nomoredeaths #ywca #tucsonsamaritans #gvsamaritarans #universityofarizona #migranthealth #border #immigration #film #humanitarian #justiceforall #healthisahumanright #waterislife
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Thank you @refugeesintl for this honor. We are humbled and motivated to continue our work until people fleeing violence and poverty are no longer dying and suffering in the U.S. desert #refugeesinternational #refugees #asylumseekers #border #washingtondc #humaneborders #waterislife #humanity #humanitybeforepolitics #weareallhuman
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A dream come true: Humane Borders has a new water station near Yuma! This will ensure that people presenting for asylum at the wall near San Luis have clean, safe drinking water 💦 especially as temperatures begin to rise. Thank you @23soyfernando, @azcahc, Joel, and Di for making this happen! #humaneborders #yuma #sanluis #savinglives #asylumseekers #refugees #water #waterislife #waternotwalls #migration
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🚨Volunteer opportunity‼️Humane Borders is seeking summer volunteers to support our efforts in Tucson and Ajo. Summer is when need is greatest and help is desperately needed, as our winter volunteers head north. We especially need water truck drivers (training provided) and can also use help with fundraising and website/video production. If you’re interested, please email info@humaneborders.org. Help us save lives this summer! 🙏💦 #humaneborders #waterislife #summer #summervolunteer #savinglives #volunteer #watertruck #arizona #tucson #ajo #humanitarian #kindness
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Thank you, U of A nursing students for volunteering with us! We serviced several water💦 stations, met with Samaritans at the border wall, and enjoyed a farmer’s market in Arivaca. It’s dedicated young people like this who give us hope for a brighter future 🙏💕 #humaneborders #universitylife #universityofarizona #nursing #waterislife #changetheworld #arivaca #arizona #humanitarian #savinglives #kindnessmatters
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The number of migrant deaths reported by the Pima County Medical Examiner in March was 3. One individual had been dead less than a day and two people more than 6-8 months. The total deaths in our database is now 4,199 😢 Many others go missing and are never found. People should not die because they don’t have access to clean drinking water. For the interactive map of Arizona migrant deaths see the link in the bio #humaneborders #migrantdeaths #deathmap #immigration #waterislife #border #arizona #rip
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Thank you @doctorswithoutborders for joining us to assess needs of asylum seekers along the Arizona/Mexico border. We are so grateful for your interest in the plight of migrants on U.S. soil! Together we’re working to put humanity before politics #bearingwitness #humaneborders #doctorswithoutborders #arizona #asylumseekers #refugees #border #medical #nomasmuertes #kindness #compassion
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Can you spot the humans in this video? (Hint: they’re smaller than you think) This is a section of the steep, rollercoaster border wall east of Sasabe, Arizona. Those who are seeking asylum, including women and children, walk miles up and down these steep roads with no services (water, food, or shelter) except what’s provided by humanitarian groups. Desperate people who’ve been on the move for months are crossing in remote, unsafe areas like this because conventional pathways to asylum are so limited. We need to put humanity before politics #humaneborders #waterislife #asylum #immigration #migrants #refugees #border #sasabe #arizona #nomoredeaths #humanitarian #humanity #asylumisahumanright
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We never know what we’ll encounter on trips to the border wall. Today, we met asylum seekers from Togo, Ecuador, and Mexico, offering water and snacks as they trudged up and down a dusty wall road with hills as steep as in San Francisco. Together, with the Green Valley and Tucson Samaritans, we offered water and snacks to people along the way—the Slim Jim’s were especially popular. We loved watching kids kicking a soccer ball. We repaired a flag, picked up trash, and watched as our new friends climbed into Border Patrol vans and toward an unknown future 🙏❤️‍🩹#humaneborders #samaritans #borderwall #arizona #humanitarian #asylumseekers #migrantes #mexico #kindness #waterislife
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Preparing for summer: our volunteers in Ajo are joined by Kirk from Tucson on today’s water run to stations along the border wall and west desert. The shade canopies keeps the water cool 💦 😎 and the new bases keep our blue flags flying #humaneborders #organpipe #ajo #waterrun #waterislife #volunteer #border #nomoredeaths #waterislife
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With these amazing humanitarians and journalist Fernanda Echavarri at the border wall east of Sasabe, as we scout sites for future water 💦 stations. After days of rain and cold, the sunshine is most welcome! #humaneborders #sasabe #asylumseekers #borderwall #borderpatrol #savinglives #kindness #samaritans #waterforeveryone #waterislife
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What better way to observe the holiday (for those who celebrate) than helping kids in need? Children at the border near Yuma enjoyed Easter cupcakes, while those near Sasabe received Easter eggs and other goodies 🐣🐇 #humaneborders #happyeaster #humanity #helpingothers #savinglives #sheroes #arizona #easter #eastereggs #easterbunny
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Art as social commentary: In 2017, French artist JR installed this powerful artwork in the Mexican city of Tecate, an hour east of San Diego. This huge photo of a smiling toddler, seen from the U.S. side, is one of many works of art that bring love and light to a border that has, sadly, become militarized and a scar on the land. To all the artists and dreamers out there, thank you for reminding us we are all human 🙏 #humaneborders #art #border #tecate #wallsdontwork #noborderwall #peace #easter #humanity
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Our Ajo-based team of volunteers are the best. When they’re not delivering water, helping people seeking asylum, or rescuing stray pups, they’re always looking for ways to do our work better. Like building shade structures over our barrels to keep water cool in the summer heat. We 💙 our Ajo volunteers! #humaneborders #ajo #arizona #organpipe #volunteer #humanitarian #water #waterislife #savinglives #border #lukeville #kindnessmatters
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Delivering water in the Arizona desert for 23 years 💦🌵Happy World Water day! Please support our lifesaving work by donating at humaneborders.org 🙏 #humaneborders #worldwaterday #waterislife #savinglives #humanity #water #arizona #border #kindness
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Students from Totino-Grace High School in Minneapolis contemplate the deaths of those who paid the ultimate price in search of a better life, Hwy 286, March 20, 2024 🙏😓 #humaneborders #nomoredeaths #humanity #border #migracion #humanitarianaid #students #minneapolis #borderstudies #elotrolado #sanmiguelhighschool #tucson
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Rain or shine, we’re here to deliver life-giving water to all who need it 💦 We’re Humane Borders and our mission is to save lives and help create a more just and humane border #humaneborders #water #border #arizona #rain #savinglives #humanitarian #migracion #actsofkindness
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Two incredible humans who’ve dedicated their lives to helping others. Thank you, Dora and Joel for all you do! 🙏💕 #humaneborders #waternotwalls #waterislife #everydayhero #gratitude #savinglives #humanity
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Yes, this is an actual photo of a bear on the border wall in southeast Arizona near Naco. We waited to share it until it was verified by a border wildlife expert, who confirmed its authenticity and said it was taken by a border patrol agent in 2018. The border wall is harmful to humans, communities, and wildlife 🐻😢 #caption #captionthis #humaneborders #wallsdontwork #stoptheborderwall #wildlife #bear #border #environment #arizona #naco #noborderwall
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Fearless women are changing the world, one act of kindness at a time. Happy International Women’s Day! 🫶🏼💕 #humaneborders #internationalwomensday #actsofkindness #border #immigracion #asylumisahumanright #waternotwalls #waterislife #chingona #womenempowerment #women
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Humane Borders is in Ajo, AZ at the 8th annual Tri-National Symposium: Celebrating the Sonoran Desert 🏜️ It’s a way to connect with beautiful people who share our love of the culture, history, and biodiversity of the borderlands, and to welcome our brothers and sisters who come in pursuit of their dreams. If you’re here, send us a DM—we’d love to see you! 🫶🏼 @i_am_isda #border #desert #desertlife #ecology #archaeology #arizona #ajo #tohonooodham #mexico #conservation #environment #noborderwall #waterislife
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The number of migrant deaths in February 2024 as reported by the Pima County Coroner was 19. Four had been dead less than one day, one less than 6-8 months and 14 more than 6-8 months. The number of total deaths in our database is 4,196 😓 Our mission is to prevent deaths and create a more just and humane border. No one should die because they don’t have access to clean, safe drinking water 💦 (photo from the Migrant Quilt Exhibit) #humaneborders #pimacounty #savinglives #waterislife #nomoredeaths
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#DYK: #education is a big part of our mission. We hosted a group of students from @bellarmineu in Louisville, Kentucky. The students, performing immigration field work with Prof. Frank Hutchins, also met with the Pima County Medical Examiner’s Office. If you’re a student group and are interested in going on a water run or having a volunteer meet with your class, please email info@humaneborders.org #humaneborders #education #students #pimacounty #fieldwork #border #bellarmine #louisville #kentucky #hopeforthefuture #waterislife #humanity
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Thanks to everyone who came to see us at #tucsonpeacefair, and to Stephanie and David for working the booth ☮️✌️#humaneborders @tucson.peace.center #peace #tucson #whatsuptucson #community #armorypark #tucsonlocal
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Replacing a vandalized station at dawn. We will never be deterred 💪🏼#humaneborders #waterislife #vigilantesgohome
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Humane Borders searches for the dead and the living in the Growler Valley, southern Arizona. A beautiful but deadly place 🙏😓#growlervalley #arizona #searchandrescue #idhikes #hiking #humanitarian #migration #migracion #waterislife 💦
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Good news‼️Humane Borders volunteers rescued a stray dog and her five pups from under a dumpster at Lukeville. Our four-legged friends are now with Compassion Without Borders, a rescue group in California, with more rescues in the works. These dogs are so thin they easily slip through the bollards of the border wall from Mexico in search of food and water. For these lucky pups, there will be no more hunger or cold nights 🙏💙#humaneborders #animalrescue #lukeville #adoptdontshop #volunteer #compassion #border #kindness #compassionwithoutborders
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A beautiful day for drivers’ training 💙
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The Pima County Medical Examiner reports 10 migrant deaths for the month of January 2024. One person was dead less than a day, one less than five weeks, one less than 6-8 months, and seven more than 6-8 months. 12 decedents were newly identified, though more than 1,500 remain unidentified. Sadly, the 4,177 migrant deaths in our database may be just a fraction of the total number, as many people go missing and are never found. The Humane Borders death mapping project strives to bring closure for families and to provide an accurate database for policymakers, humanitarian groups, and the public. It’s not okay that thousands of people are dying in our own backyard. Once you know, you know. Please join us in helping to save lives 😓🙏 #humaneborders #death #migrantdeaths #migracion #pimacounty #arizona #tucson #savinglives #immigration #humanitarian #waterislife
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news & updates

The long walk of Carlos Guerrero

U of A Screening and Panel
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Latest Desert Fountain Newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE:
Farewell from Chair Doug Ruopp
Please Welcome New Chair Dora Luz Rodriguez
The Future of Borders Volunteer
Spotlight: Tracey Ristow How Migrants Perish and How They’re ID’d
Volunteer Spotlight: Scarlett Bradford
Read more
Recommended Reading
See Our Top Picks
Humane Borders in the News

Portraits of people from around the globe
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Cemetery Hill

An Essay
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Myths and Facts About Migration

Visual odyssey across continents
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Humane Borders Expands to Yuma
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we won an award!

watch the Refugees Internatl video starting at 20:27
watch now