In the late summer of 2009, a 44-year-old man named Miguel Alcala Maldonado prepared for a journey that he hoped would lead to a new beginning. On September 11, 2009, he was in communication for the last time before he attempted to cross the border into the United States from Mexico. His starting point was Altar, Sonora, a well-known staging area for those attempting the arduous trek north.
Miguel, a Hispanic male standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing around 140 pounds, began his journey into the vast and often perilous landscape of the Arizona desert, but he never reached his intended destination. His family and friends have not seen or heard from him since that day.
Miguel was prepared for a difficult journey, evidenced by the clothing he wore. He had on two sets of pants, one of which had holes specifically cut into it to secure his Mexican voter ID card, a common practice for migrants to protect their identification from being lost or stolen. He wore a button-down plaid shirt, green and brown in color, and blue jeans in a size 36. Around his neck, he wore a Virgin del Carmen scapular, a symbol of his faith that he may have carried for protection. Miguel was also distinguishable by a thick black mustache and a tattoo on his left forearm bearing the initials 'MAM'. These personal details paint a picture of a man who was not just a statistic, but an individual with an identity and beliefs, who faced the unforgiving environment with whatever provisions he could carry.
The exact circumstances of what happened to Miguel Alcala Maldonado after he began his trek into the United States remain unknown. The Phoenix Police Department is the investigating agency for his case, which was officially reported years later on October 27, 2018. The vast and rugged terrain of Pima County, Arizona, where he was last thought to be, has unfortunately been the final resting place for many who have attempted the same journey. With no witnesses and no further contact, Miguel's case grew cold. The overview of this case is a deeply saddening one, reflecting the silent crisis that occurs along the border. It is the story of a man who vanished while seeking a different future, leaving behind only a description, a few personal items, and a family left to wonder what became of him in the immense and desolate landscape. His disappearance is a poignant reminder of the human element and the profound uncertainty faced by the families of those who go missing under such circumstances.Last Seen: Sep 11, 2009
