The deadliest county in Texas for migrants is nowhere near the border

FALFURRIAS, Texas (SBG) — It is for most people a road not taken, except for those trying to hide. For Brooks County Sheriff's Deputy Don White, it’s a way of life.

During a walk through the brush on a Falfurrias Texas Ranch Tuesday, White got out his flashlight and saw what this news crew didn't.

"Here’s a print. There's a heel mark and a toe," he pointed out.

A few days a week, he works the brush, in a region where the borders are defined by pipelines and power lines and just about everything in between is brush. And despite the nearest border with Mexico being 70 miles away, it’s an area where thousands who entered the country make their journey, walking through dried trees on beach like sand, but there, sadly, hundreds end their journey as well.

"When I do see somebody alive, chances are they want my help," White said. "They’re done with the brush they're stressed."

But the majority of people he encounters are no longer alive.

For the last 10 years, Brooks County has ranked the highest in the entire state of Texas for the number of migrant remains found here - 40 to 60 every year - White is often the one to track them down on mostly on private ranches.

"July and August are part probably the hardest bodywise," White said.

The bodies he finds he often documents. Some are newer. Some older. Many more will never be located.

Those who do make it through often end up here this is what’s called a pick-up point where a ride, often times another smuggler will pick people up and take them to the next leg of the journey.