Exploring the Biocultural Profile of the Undocumented Populations of the Sonoran Corridor: A Skeletal Assessment of the Prevention Through Deterrence Strategy

Authors

• Mary A. Vaughn, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

First Advisor

William R. Belcher

Committee Members

Elizabeth Clausing, Kelly Kamnikar

Date of this Version

5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Citation

A thesis presented to the faculty of the Graduate College at the University of Nebraska in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Master of Arts

Major: Anthropology

Under the supervision of Professor William R. Belcher

Lincoln, Nebraska, May, 2026

Comments

Copyright 2026, Mary A. Vaughn. Used by permission

Abstract

Over the last thirty years the mortality rate of the undocumented population at the US-Mexico border has risen, requiring methods distinguishing US-born individuals from immigrants to improve the likelihood of identification and repatriation through foreign consulates. Forensic anthropologists with the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner (PCOME) have advocated for the use of the biocultural profile, combining the biological profile with factors including oral health, osteological stress, and personal effects. The biocultural profile serves two purposes, functioning both as a tool for identification and with which to document structural inequality within communities of origin.

This study examines changes in oral health following the implementation of the Prevention Through Deterrence (PTD) strategy and the utility of antemortem trauma as a component of the biocultural profile. Data were collected from PCOME autopsy reports on antemortem trauma and oral health, using a stratigraphic sampling method by year for forty individuals. Cluster analysis was first conducted to identify groups within the total dataset sharing attributes and reveal relationships between variables. The sample was then divided into two groups: 1995 – 1999; 2000 – 2004. Fisher’s Tests were used to compare rates of three dental issues – carious lesions, periapical lesions, and antemortem tooth loss – as well as treatment of carious lesions, between groups. For the two variables considered significant by Fisher’s Test, antemortem tooth loss and caries, Generalized Linear Models were run to measure the impact of crossing attempt timing on rates of dental issues and treatment between groups. The prevalence of antemortem trauma in each skeletal region was calculated and descriptive and direct comparisons were drawn to data from two archaeological and three modern populations.

The study found no statistical significance for differences in rates of dental issues between the 1995 – 1999 and 2000 – 2004 groups. Antemortem trauma was not prevalent in the study population, and its inclusion will not increase the efficacy of the biocultural profile. This research has numerous benefits, highlighting the effects of border policy on marginalized communities and aiding forensic practitioners in the United States in the identification of undocumented decedents.

Advisor: William R. Belcher