Group Pays Tribute to 53 Migrants Found Dead in Tractor-Trailer One Year On

The somber memory of the deadliest human smuggling incident in the US, which occurred nearly a year ago in San Antonio, was honored in a heartfelt tribute near Quintana Road on June 27, 2022. Members of the community gathered to pay homage to the 53 undocumented immigrants who perished in the back of a sweltering big-rig. The tragedy of this event still resonates deeply, and it was clear that the victims’ names were not forgotten, nor was their humanity overlooked.

Angelita Olvera, the organizer of this moving memorial, has been dedicating a considerable amount of her time to maintain this makeshift tribute over the past twelve months. Her unwavering commitment to creating a space to pay respect to these lost lives was noted at the event. Ms. Olvera passionately stated, “We will never forget their names.” Her deep connection to their memory was evident, as she visits the site almost every other day and intensely feels the emotional impact of this tragedy.

Sandragrace Martinez, an author who has been documenting the stories of the victims, emphasized in her comments that these individuals were more than political labels. She argued that they were humans seeking a better life, searching for hope through their journey. Ms. Martinez expressed, “They were 53 humans, they’re not illegals, they’re not asylum seekers, they’re not migrants, they’re human.” The humanity of these individuals is central to understanding the brutal and senseless loss of life.

The exact circumstances of this tragedy are no less harrowing upon reflection. As the 53 undocumented immigrants were locked in the back of a non-air conditioned big-rig, they had no access to food or water. The excessive heat claimed most of the victims’ lives before they could be discovered by authorities. The empathy and compassion displayed by the organizers of this commemoration and the countless individuals who came to show their respects is especially important in the context of this heartbreaking account.

Two men have been indicted and remain in federal custody without bond in connection to this case. The enduring significance of the Quintana Road memorial confirms the sentiments expressed by Ms. Olvera and Ms. Martinez in that hope is a fundamental human trait and that the lives lost in this tragedy must be remembered.