Border Closure Cuts Fentanyl Deaths in Yakima County

Yakima County came close to setting a tragic new record in 2025, with 110 overdose deaths reported-many attributed to the potent and deadly drug fentanyl.

DEATH NUMBERS STILL HIGH BUT NO NEW RECORD

While the year was still devastating, officials say they are relieved that the county did not surpass the previous high of 146 overdose deaths in 2024. Yakima County Coroner Marshal Slight emphasized the importance of awareness about the dangers of drugs. "Hopefully people are realizing how bad drugs are and how they affect their lives."
In 2024, overdose deaths surged past previous records, breaking the old high of 96 set in 2023.

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DEATHS AT ALL AGES

Officials attribute the recent decline in overdose deaths to the closure of the southern border, which has helped reduce the flow of fentanyl into the region.
Despite what some might believe Slight pointed out that overdose victims are not just young people. He says it's not uncommon to see victims between 20 and 50 or 60 years old. "Many are older individuals who have been addicted for years."

UNLIMITED SUPPLY WITH AN OPEN BORDER

Slight and other officials believe that the open southern border during the Biden administration allowed significant quantities of fentanyl to be trafficked into the U.S., leading to an increase in overdose deaths. The Trump administration is hoping that closing the border and working with China to halt the import of chemicals used in fentanyl production will save thousands of lives.

2026

Looking ahead, officials remain hopeful that overdose death numbers will decrease further in 2026, emphasizing the need for ongoing prevention and intervention efforts.