Ten people died in sweltering heat in a semi-trailer that was found early Sunday in a Walmart parking lot on the South side of San Antonio.
A total of 39 people – likely migrants in a human smuggling operation – were found in the trailer by police upon arrival at the scene. Survivors were rushed to seven area hospitals to receive treatment for heat-related illnesses including heat stroke, dehydration and asphyxiation.
What led to this incident? How common is human smuggling in Texas? Could changes to U.S. immigration policy prevent future tragedies?
Guests:
- Kerry Ward, associate professor of history and researcher on comparative slavery and forced migration at Rice University
- Bill Beardall, clinical professor of law and director of the Transnational Worker Rights Clinic at the University of Texas Law School and executive director of the Equal Justice Center.
This is a community conversation and we want to hear from you. Leave a voicemail with your questions and comments in advance by calling 210-615-8982. During the live show (12 - 12:30 p.m.), call 210-614-8980, email thesource@tpr.org or tweet at @TPRSource.
