On the Border

Crossing the

Border

Trails leading over the foothills. These trails aren't for ATV's, motorcycles, or family outings. For most people these trails have a one way sign on them, from Mexico to the U.S.

In the more organized trails have staging areas for a run at the border. The trees and an abandoned structure just over the railroad tracks give ample room to hide many people who will patiently wait for a chance to cross.

Sunday, the first night of the Minuteman Projects' vigil, station 9 was set up just across the border from this point. Just before anyone got there, 12 Mexicans tried to cross the border; seven turned back on seeing the approaching group of Americans but 5 continued north.

From then until well after sunset, there was activity in the hills behind us as the border agents hunted the Mexicans. They would not confirm or deny how many were apprehended.

Two border patrols comparing notes - one in the traditional truck and the other on more agile ATV

Day or night, there are no demographics or statistics as to when or how the crossings will be made. One of the organizers of MMP told me that he once brought a news crew up to the border on a Saturday at noon. With he and the news van, it's logo plainly painted on the side,  more than 12 Mexicans crossed the border within their view.

Illness or injury are two problems that can cause a member of one of the crossing groups to fall behind. This is one of the most dangerous situations as the group won't wait. The lone straggler has little knowledge of how to proceed and is apt to wonder for days. These are the people that the relief groups concentrate on. These relief groups, Grupo Beta being one, comb the border looking for people in need. They have water and food packets to give out. Water barrels are placed just shy of the border on the Mexican side and marked with tall blue flags.

I don't remember a single person who wouldn't agree that crossing at areas like these is hard and shows just how desperate the people are to get to the United States. No one wanted to deny them the opportunity to come north for a better life, just do it legally.