After spending over a week at the border, I have seen and learned many things about the current situation. It truly is a heart breaking situation for both migrants and law enforcement that help them. You have probably heard of the situation at the border, but once you have spent time here you look at it from a whole different perspective. Men, women and children hike through heat and difficult terrain to come to America. It is extremely dangerous and some parish trying to make it here. One of my sources with DHS told me about a 10 month old traveling in a migrant group who passed away in McAllen. Medics tried to revive the boy, but were unable. Loss does not only impact migrants, it affects law enforcement as well. A Border Patrol agent, a husband and father, passed away from COVID. I was humbled to be able to attend his funeral. It was heartbreaking, yet amazing to see the traditions of Border Patrol.
I have spoken with Law enforcement along the border and they say that this cannot continue. It has law enforcement stretched thin. Border Patrol has so many agents processing migrants that the amount of agents patrolling the border has dramatically decreased. Now you have agencies such as Texas DPS and local departments, like the La Joya Police Department, who I rode out with are also patrolling the border. It was an honor to be the first person under 18 that they allowed to accompany them for a ride along, and I hope my documentation of the event makes them proud.
Migrants are escorted to where border patrol picks them on buses. We were out filming the migrants that were crossing and decided to follow one of these buses. After following the bus for about 15 miles, we saw it get ready to turn. To our surprise it turned and went past the border wall. We continued to see where it went and ended up at the Anzalduas International Bridge. Under the bridge we saw multiple facilities such as tents, porta potties and more. What we didn’t know at the times was that it is a restricted area. As soon as we were spotted, Border Patrol rushed over and said we had to leave the premises. Which we did, but not with out rare footage!
If you are interested in seeing video from my week at the border watch below!