Survivors were airlifted to hospital in the town of Yuma. Dr Shawnna Delsorbo said they were in a very bad state - one was actually dead on arrival. Captain Cyril Atherton says he believes some members of the group may still be unaccounted for. We have a rough estimate of anywhere from 25 to 28 individuals total in the group. This is the worst incident of its kind in Arizona.
Local residents say government policy has made the border crossing far more dangerous.
Border patrols concentrate their efforts on the more populated parts of the border, forcing the smugglers and their clients to take the risk of crossing through the desert. Mexico seeks new defence treaty Sisters ready for final showdown Iran 'pursuing nuclear programme' Links to more Americas stories are at the foot of the page.