The sign above is in Sonoyta, Mexico and I am in the United States, less than 100 feet separates me from another country, an often dangerous country. That perception of Mexico, particularly in some border cities isn't incorrect. It is dangerous, and people have died. In 2002 an Organ Pipe Cactus Park Ranger was killed by men charged with murder who were escaping from the law in Mexico. They crossed into the US and park personnel along with US Border Patrol responded. Trying to apprehend these outlaws, Ranger Kris Eggle was unfortunately shot and killed by the suspects. In response, the Monument closed many of its roads and trails and they remained closed for 11 years.
Last year a new Superintendent of the Monument lobbied for more security, more patrols and improved signage and the Monument has now reopened all the territory that was previously closed. They have an active relationship with the Border Patrol which we speak to and see daily in the park along the roads and trails.
Some of the new safety measures include signage and brochures that give folks tips on remaining safe in the Monument, cameras along trails and on high towers, Border Patrol agents with surveillance gear at strategic points such as water sources, a 30 MILE-long 12 foot high fence that separates the Monument from Mexico, a 40 MILE-long vehicle barrier fence (shown above with posts of varying heights), nightly drones patrolling near the border, planes and helicopters (just saw one this morning) and a traffic checkpoint on the main road into the Monument.
This is an all-out battle to stem the flow of people and drugs across the border. Border Patrol has eyes everywhere in the air and on the ground and here's what it netted them in 2013: 4,000 arrests and 100,000 pounds of marijuana, plus a bunch of other stuff that they haven't mentioned. It makes one wonder what they didn't catch....
Last year a new Superintendent of the Monument lobbied for more security, more patrols and improved signage and the Monument has now reopened all the territory that was previously closed. They have an active relationship with the Border Patrol which we speak to and see daily in the park along the roads and trails.
Some of the new safety measures include signage and brochures that give folks tips on remaining safe in the Monument, cameras along trails and on high towers, Border Patrol agents with surveillance gear at strategic points such as water sources, a 30 MILE-long 12 foot high fence that separates the Monument from Mexico, a 40 MILE-long vehicle barrier fence (shown above with posts of varying heights), nightly drones patrolling near the border, planes and helicopters (just saw one this morning) and a traffic checkpoint on the main road into the Monument.
This is an all-out battle to stem the flow of people and drugs across the border. Border Patrol has eyes everywhere in the air and on the ground and here's what it netted them in 2013: 4,000 arrests and 100,000 pounds of marijuana, plus a bunch of other stuff that they haven't mentioned. It makes one wonder what they didn't catch....
There are many sociological and economic reasons why people risk their lives to cross into the US or bring thousands of dollars of drugs in, but until financial conditions improve in Mexico and Central America, and until the US stops its hunger for drugs, this tide of humanity and contraband will continue. Recognizing that fact, the Border Patrol has erected safety beacons in the desert which people can activate if they need medical assistance. There is also an organization called No More Deaths, which aims to assist those that cross with water barrels, food caches and other services. These caches are marked with blue flags. Border Patrol is aware of them and generally takes a hands off approach however the Monument's take on this is to NOT assist anyone you might come across and I think their logic is sound. If you provide aid to people they can continue on into an area where they may become even more distressed and where no help is available. Summer temps are regularly above 100 degrees and rarely fall below 90 at night. Bear in mind that these people do not want to be seen, they are most likely to travel at night when I am least likely to be outside in the desert. They stay away from places where people congregate so our risk of encountering anyone is very small.
Having said that it is common to find black, one gallon water bottles along trails. Why black? The people crossing believe they are harder to see by Border Patrol, but we've been told that no matter what color the bottles are, the people and bottles are very visible, even at night. I found several bottles on a trail along with a rock cairn which may have pointed to a water cache.
Having said that it is common to find black, one gallon water bottles along trails. Why black? The people crossing believe they are harder to see by Border Patrol, but we've been told that no matter what color the bottles are, the people and bottles are very visible, even at night. I found several bottles on a trail along with a rock cairn which may have pointed to a water cache.
The Monument has done an incredible job of protecting its visitors and making the Sonoran Desert a wonderful place to visit. Do I feel safe? Yes. Do I need to be cautious? Of course. Will we come back? As soon as we can.