This figure represents a significant decrease compared to the 10,457 deaths recorded in the previous 12 months. However, activists caution that the reduction in fatalities does not necessarily indicate improved conditions for migrants. Helena Maleno, research coordinator for Caminando Fronteras, stated that tighter border controls have forced migrants to undertake more dangerous routes.

Much of the decrease in fatalities is attributed to increased border policing, particularly in Mauritania. In 2024, Mauritania signed a €210 million migration deal with the European Union, aimed at strengthening border security and curbing migration flows. These measures have led to a sharp decline in migrant arrivals to Spain, but have also pushed individuals to seek alternative, often more perilous, routes.

The EU's approach to border management increasingly relies on sophisticated technologies, including AI-powered surveillance systems. These systems utilize algorithms to analyze vast amounts of data from various sources, such as satellite imagery, drone footage, and social media, to detect and intercept potential migrants. The deployment of such technologies raises ethical concerns about privacy, bias, and the potential for algorithmic discrimination. AI systems are trained on data, and if that data reflects existing societal biases, the AI can perpetuate and even amplify those biases in its decision-making processes.

The use of AI in border control also has implications for international law and human rights. Critics argue that the focus on preventing migration through technological means can undermine the right to seek asylum and potentially lead to the refoulement of individuals to countries where they face persecution. The increasing reliance on AI in migration management necessitates careful consideration of its ethical and legal ramifications to ensure that human rights are protected.

The situation remains fluid, and the long-term impact of tighter border controls and the use of AI on migration patterns and migrant fatalities is still unfolding. Activists and human rights organizations continue to monitor the situation and advocate for safer and more humane migration policies.