Abstract
Myriad factors influence the patterns of illegal migration of people from Mexico and Central America into the United States. The Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner (PCOME) has examined the largest number of recovered undocumented border crosser (UBC) remains of any single medical examiner jurisdiction in the United States since at least 2001. The examination and management of UBC remains is a unique process. Determination of the cause and manner of death are often compromised by advanced decomposition to the point of skeletonization. Unusual examination findings and death presentations not frequently seen in non-UBC populations are the norm. Ancillary techniques such as infrared digital photography and rehydration of mummified remains are commonly employed in the identification of these remains. Administrative challenges such as cold storage capacity, triage and handling of missing person's information, interactions with foreign governments, high media interest, identification, interment, and management of a large number of unidentified remains are ongoing issues. This review outlines the issues commonly encountered and techniques used by the PCOME to manage the remains of this vulnerable population.
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