border patrol...

This has been one of the most interesting days of work in a loooong time. We spent the day with the Yuma sector of the Arizona Border Patrol. They cover a 126 miles (202km) of border to Mexico, out of the total 2000 mile stretch. During the 10 hours we spent with them, we chased one illegal alien trying to cross the border, saw a flipped over drug smuggler car with 750 lbs (300kg) of maruianachased more illegals using night vision, helicopters, 4 agents and crawling through the brush, before ending the day with the apprehension of 4 men who had just crossed over. A lot of action for one ride-along, but Yuma is a hotspot for smugglers. Since October 1 last year more than 110 000 people have been arrested and sent back.

Seeing the border up-close is just fascinating. The task of enforcing the line between the two countries seems impossible. Using a mix of high tech gadgets and ancient tracking techniques like footprints in the sand the Border Patrol Agents do their best, but it must seem like an uphill battle considering the border looks just like this in a lot of places ...
The reinforced poles are there to keep vehicles from driving across. But walking? No problem...

I could feel the rush though chasing the "runners" through the brush down by the river. In some places it was so tight you had to crawl. All in the dark using only flashlights. When they finally catch the 4 men crossing, it feels a bit discouraging to know that tomorrow the same 4 men will make another attempt... in probably the exact same place...