For the last twelve years, Marisela and Ely and the group of volunteers The Águilas del Desierto have been roaming the US-Mexico desert. Their goal: to seek, find and return to their families the bodies of migrants who died while crossing on foot. This all-consuming calling takes a crushing toll on them, but how could they stop? Spare My Bones, Coyote! follows their work, dedication, and difficult lives they have chosen to live.
Águilas del Desierto’s mission is to help families whose loved ones are missing inthe desert areas near the border. Their goal is to respond immediately to every callfor help. At times, they rescue crossers in distress; at other times, they search forthe remains of a loved one whose life was claimed by the desert. Recovering theremains of loved ones brings closure to families who are desperate for information.
Every day, Águilas del Desierto receives multiple calls from families desperatefor help. These families are desperate because they have been in contact withtheir loved one, who has been abandoned in the desert, due to illness, injury, orexhaustion. Families are afraid to call authorities for fear of repercussions. Instead,they turn to Águilas del Desierto for help.
Since Águilas del Desierto began in 2012, they have rescued 92 people andrecovered the remains of 92 people. They long for the day when all lives are saved.
Sometimes, they rescue migrants in distress; other times, they search for the remains of a loved one whose life was taken by the desert.