Since 1995, the Mexican Consulate and U.S. Border Patrol have combined records of nearly 2000 deaths along the entire Mexico-U.S. border. The migrants are victims of 120-degree heat of Imperial County’s desert in summer and the freezing temperatures of the San Diego Mountains in winter. Hundreds of people also drown trying to swim to freedom across the All-American Canal.
People illegally crossing the border have had to choose rougher, harsher passages into the United States because of tightened border security. These controls began back in 1994, when the federal government established Operation Gatekeeper, which fortified the U.S. border with high fences and beefed-up border patrols. And since September 11th, security at the border has only increased.
A strong supporter of tighter border security has been Congressman Duncan Hunter, who believes that illegal immigration should not be tolerated, in spite of the unintended consequences of people perishing in more dangerous areas.
But Congressman Hunter’s own brother, John Hunter, heard about the numbers of people dying as they tried to cross illegally. He decided to aid migrants the best way that he could think of—provide people with water in the desert in the summer.
Later, Hunter and the president of the project, Enrique Morones, also set up cold weather stations in the mountains for the winter, providing immigrants with blankets, warm clothes and a little food.
Tonight on California Connected, we examine the story of two brothers, seemingly at odds with each other’s beliefs, and a humanitarian project meant to lessen the perils of the harsh land between two countries.
Update November 20, 2006
Since the U.S authorities tightened border security in the mid-nineties, about 3,000 migrants have died trying to cross into the United States. In 2005 alone, 472 people died trying to cross the border - a new record.
President George W. Bush signed a bill authorizing the construction of 700 miles of fencing along the U.S./Mexico border.
Congressman Duncan Hunter is still a vocal advocate of tougher immigration laws. In November 2006, he announced his plan to run for president in 2008.
His brother, John Hunter, is still saving lives. He is asking for more money and more volunteers. Some of his water stations have been vandalized by racists.
- Water and Winter Station Project
- Operation Gatekeeper mortalities report, Ca. Rural Legal Assistance Foundation
- Border Control Chronology, Congressman Duncan Hunter