Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

On March 2, eight students from Bellarmine University embarked on an eight-mile hike in southern Arizona to gain firsthand insight into the perilous journey faced by migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. The hike took place in the Sonoran Desert, a region where numerous migrants have lost their lives each year. Their route included Walker Canyon, a site where two migrants tragically died after becoming disoriented.

Dr. Frank Hutchins, an anthropology professor at Bellarmine University, led the trip as part of his "Migrant's Journey" class. He explained that the purpose was to understand "who is arriving at the border and why," as well as the conditions leading to suffering and death in the desert. This marked Hutchins' sixth such excursion with students.

During their journey, students encountered various items left behind by migrants, including blankets, backpacks, clothing, and makeshift shoes designed to avoid leaving footprints. "All of these things that we find tell us something," said Hutchins.

The group also participated in planting crosses at sites where migrant bodies had been discovered. They were guided by artist Alvaro Enciso and used a "Map of Migrant Mortality" provided by Humane Borders to locate these sites. Hutchins noted that each red dot on the map represents known information about a specific body found in the desert.

Clare Kramer, one of the participating students, expressed how the experience deepened her empathy for migrants: “It’s a very different experience being out in the desert knowing that a human being was here.”

Tiffany Couch shared similar sentiments about witnessing remnants of migrant journeys: “Seeing everything kind of scattered out there makes it way more real.”

In addition to planting crosses, students volunteered with Humane Borders by checking water barrels placed along migrant routes to prevent dehydration-related deaths. However, they learned that these barrels are often sabotaged by individuals aiming to deprive migrants of water.

Kramer noted how volunteers placed stickers of Our Lady of Guadalupe on barrels to foster trust among migrants who might not be able to read but recognize religious symbols.

Reflecting on her faith-driven motivation following this experience, Kramer stated: “As people of faith, we are called to help people who are in more vulnerable situations.” She expressed her desire to become more active in supporting individuals facing similar challenges upon returning from this trip.