Project Community: Border Divide
Updated: 6:16 PM MDT Jul 30, 2021
♪ IN THE LAST FOUR WEEKS WE HAVE HAD EIGHT BODIES THAT WE HAVE RECOVERED THAT HAVE DD IEIN THE DESERT. >> 911 EMERGENCY. >> I’M SCARED, I’M SO MAD. HE WENT RUNNING. >> IT’S ALL FUNDING THE CARTELS AND THEY DON’T CARE ABOUT HUMAN LIFE OR THE MIGRANTS. LET’S KEEP LINING THE LANDSCAPE WITH WALLS. WE HAVE TECHNOLOGY. WHY ON EARTH WOULD WE ELIMEIN THE PROTECTION WE HAVE ON THE BORDER? >> WE DON’T KNOW IF WE SHOULD HELP OUT. WE TALKED ABOUT IT, WE PRAYED OUAB IT, AND WE DECIDED THESE PEOPLE NEED HELP. >> THE PANDEMIC CHANGEOUD R WORLD FROM OUR DAILY ROUTINES TO HOW WE DO BUSINESS AND HOW WE THINK ABOUT OUR HEALTH AND SAFETY. TODD: IT SOAL CHANGED IMMIGRATION TRENDS ON OUR SOUTHERN BORDER. ROYALE: KOAT’S TEAM OF JOURNALISTS SPENT TIME HEARING FROM PEOPLEMP IACTED AND THE DECISION-MAKERS INCLUDING OFFICISAL WITH THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT. TODD: OJTPR COMMUNITY: BORDER DIVIDE EXPLORES WHAT IS HAPPENING AND IASDE FOR FINDING COMMON GROUND ON AN ISSUE THAT IS SO POLARIZING. TODD: I’VE STATE HAS ALMOST 180 MILES OF BORDER LAND. ON THE OER SIDE, THE MEXICAN STATE OF CHIHUAHUA AND PORTER. ROYALE: NEW MEXICO’S BORDER IS PATROLLED BY AGENTS FROM THE EL PASO SECTOR. IT COVERS 268 MILES FROM ROU STATE INTO TEXAS. IN NEW MEXICO, 93.3 MILES OFEW N BORDER WALL WAS FINISHED UNDER THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION. CONSTRUCTION STOPPED WHEN PRESIDENT BIDEN TOOK OFFICE. PART OF IT WAS BUILT IN SUNLAND PARKWNE MEXICO, AND AREA SEEING A SURGE IN MIGRIOATN THAT ACCOUNTS FOR 62% OF ALL APPREHENSIONS IN THE EL PASO SECTOR. BEFORE WE N CATALK ABOUT WHY THIS IS HAPPENNG, IT’S IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND A TERM THAT IS GOING TO COME UP IN ALMOST ANY CONVERSATION YOU HAVE ABOUT IMMIGRATION RIGHT NOW. JOHN EXPLAINS TITLE 42. BEFORE WE TKAL ABOUT TITLE 42, YOU HAVE TO UNDERSTAND TITLE EIGHT. SO THAT’S WHERE WE WILL START. TITLE EIGHT IS THE SECTION OF LAW THAT DEALS WITH IMMIGRATION. HERE IS AN IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY AND PROFESSOR TO EXPLAIN. >> UNDER TITLE EIGHT IMM,IGRANTS WHO COME TO THE UNEDIT STATES, WHETHER THROUGH A PORT OF ENTRY OR BETWEEN PORTSF ENTRY, IF THEY HAVE A FEAR OF GOING HOME, OF GOING BACK TO THEIR COUNT,RY THEY CAN SEEK ASYLUM. TODD: ASYLUM IS HOW MIGRANTS CAN FORMALLY APPLY FOR LEGAL PROTECTION IN THE UNITED STATES. REMEMBERWO T YEARS AGO WHEN SO MANY ASYLUM-SEEKERS WERE COMING TO THE SOUTHERN BORDER? WHEN THE PANDEMIC HITS, THE ABILITY TO DO TAT CHANGED. WHY? BECAUSE OF TITLE 42. >> TITLE 42 IS AN OBSCURLAE W THAT IS VERY OLD. TODD: IT IS A HEALTH LAW PUT ON THE BOOKS 75 YEARS AGO AS A WAY TO STOP CONTAGION. THTRE UMP ADMINISTRATION IMPLEMENTED IT AS A WAY TO STOP THE SPREAD OF COVID. INSTEAD OF ASKING FOR ASYLUM, TITLE 42 SAYS BORDER PATROL AGENT’S CAN EXPEL THEM FROM THE BORDER, SENDI TNGHEM TO MEXICO OR THEIR HOME COUNTRY. TODD: IN NOVEMBER, AN EXCEPTION WAS MADE FOR CHILDREN COMING ACROSS THE BORDER ALONE. RATHER THAN BEING EXPELLED, UNACCOMPANIED MINORS WERE TAKEN TO FACILITIES LIKE THIS ONE. TITLE 42 WAS IN PLACE WHEN PRIDESENT BIDEN DID TAKE OFFICE. MIGRANT ADVOCATES URGED THE ADMINISTRATION TO FACE IT OUT. TODD: ROYALE: ROYALE: THE MOUNTAINS MAKE FOR A DIFFICULT JOURNEY FOR MIGRANT AND MANY ARE HURT TRYING TO MAKE IT INTO THE UNITED STATES. AT SOME PARTS OF THE BORDER, YOU WILL SEE JUST A BARBED WIRE FENCE OR THESE DEVICES CALLED NORMANDY FENCING TO KEEP CARS FROM DRIVING THROUGH. YOU WILL SEE A BORDER WALL, TOO. SOME AREAS ARE 30 FEET TALL. OTHERS, 14 FEET. AGENTS PATLRO THE BORDER WITH HELICOPTERS ON HORSEBACK, FROU WHEELERS. TODD: HIGH-TECH SURVEILLANCE HELPS THEM SPOT THINK THEY CAN’T SEE WITH THEIR EYES. STEPHANIE SPENT TIME ON PATROL WITH AGENTS IN SUNLAND PARK. STEPHANI TE: LAND HERE IS RUGGED AND DANGEROUS BUT HUNDREDS THE PEOPLE TRY TO CROSS EVERY DAY. >> TSHI IS THE BUSIEST STATION. STEPHANIE:AC EH DAY, AN AVERAGEF O 240 MRAIGNTS CROSS INTO THE UNITED STATES JUST ALONG THIS ONE SPOT. >> SRO TODAY -- SO FAR, ABOUT SITOX 5000 PEOPLE. THE TERRAIN IS BRUTAL. STEPHAE:NI HE LOOKS FOR THINGS LIKE FSHRE FOOTPRINTS, SIGNS THAT SOMEONE HAS JUST CROSSED IN THE UNITED STATES ILLEGALLY. WE DRIVE ALONG THE BORDER JU ST TO SEE IF THEREAS H BEEN ANY ACTIVITY, IF THERE IS ANY ROPE OR LADDERS HANGING ON THE OTHERS. STEPHANIE: THREE MONTHS AGO, AN AGENT PATROLLING WITH THE HELP OF A NIGHT VISION CAMERA SPOTTED THIS. TWO YOUNG GIRLS DROPPED OVER THE WALL. EYTH FALL 14 FEET AND STRUGGLE TO GET UP WHILE THE HUMAN SMUGGLERS WHO DROPPED THEM RUN AWAY. THAT IS THE EXACT LOCATION WHERE THEY WERE DROPPED. HAD BORDER PATLRO AGENT NOT BEEN IN THIS AREA, BOTH LITTLE GIRLS COD ULHAVE STAYED OUT HERE ALL NIGHT ALONE. >> THERES I NO WAY THATNY A THREE-YEAR-OLD OR FIVE-YEAR-OLD CHILDREN SHOULD BE LEFT OUT HERE ON THEIR OWN AND ABANDONED LIKE TH WEYERE. STEPHANIE: BOTH SURVIVED AND ARE NOW IN THE UNITED STATES. >> THERE ARE SMUGGLING NETWORKS INHE TSE AREAS THAT ARE WORKING NIGHT AND DAY. STEPHANIE: SMUGGLERS ARE PAID ANYWHERE BETWEEN $3000 AND $12,000 PER MIGRANTS TO BE BROUGHT INTO THE U.S.. THE NUMBER OF SINGLE ADULTS CROSSING ILLEGALLY IS INCRASING. A BIG DIFFERENCE FROM THE MIANTGR SURGE IN 2019 WHEN LARGE GROUPS OF PEOPLE WERE CROSSING AT ONCE. LIKE THE GIRLS DROPPED OVER THE WALL, MANY TIMES, SMUGGLERS ABANDON THE PEOPLE THEY WERE PAID TO HELP. >> THEY WILL HAVE A LADRDE ON ONE SIDE TO GET EMTH OUT, BUT THEY WON’T HAVE A LADDER ON THE OTHER SITE TO GET THEM DOWN. WE WILL THEN PERFORM A RESCUE. STEPHANIE: RESCUES ARE UP 187% JUST THIS YEAR. SO WHAT HAPPENSHE WN THEY ARE FOUND BY BORDER PROL?AT SINCE THE START OF THE PANDEMIC, MOST ADULTS HAVE BEEN EXPELLED FROM THE U.S. BECAUSE OF TITLE 42, A HEALTH LAW PUT IN PLACE FROM THE PANDEMIC STARTED. UNACCOMPANIED MINORS HAVE BEEN ALWELOD TO STAY SINCE NOVEMBER OF 2020. >> WE TAKE THEM TTOHE PORTS OF ENTRY AND WE DO ALL THE BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATI AONND SCREENING AND AS LONG AS THEY ARE NOT AGGRAVATED FELONS OR VEHA OTHER WARRANTS, AND THEY SPEAK SPANISH LANGUAGE, WE WILL SEND THEM BACK IF THEY ARE AN ADULT TO MEXICO. STEPHANIE: SO MANY REMAI HERE, A CITY OF ABO 1UT.5 MILLION PEOPLE. NEARBY IS EL PASO, AND THE COMMUNITY OF SUNLAND PARK AND SANTA TERESA. COMBINED, YOURE T AALKING ABOUT 2.4 MILLION PEOPLELL A IN ONE SPACE DIVIDED BY A BORDER. ROLE: THE BORDER PATROL SAYS THEY OFTEN HAVE ENCOUNTERS WITH THE SAME PEOPLE. JUST LAST MONTH, 34% HAD CROSDSE ILLEGALLY AT LEAST ONCE WIINTH THE LAST YEAR. REMEMBER, BECAUSE OF TITLE 42, MOST ARE BEING SENT TO MEXICO. GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS SAY CRIMINAL ORGANIZATNSIO IN MEXICO ARE PRAYING ON THOSE PEOPLE. MANY FEEL DESPERATE AND CONTINUE TO TRY TO MAKE IT UNDETECTED INTO THE UNITED STATES. JUST LOOK AT THIS VIDEO SHOWING MEXICAN OFFICIALS RESCUING MIGRANTS TRYING TO CROSS THE RIO GRANDE INTO THE U.S. RESCUES LIKE THIS HAPPEN DAILY. AS STELLA REPORTS, MOST ARE ALREADY FACING VIOLENCE IN THEIR HOME COUNTRIES. STELLA: GUATEMALA, HUNTERS,ND A MEXICO MAKE UP THE NORTHERN TRIANGLE. >>HE T NORTHERN TRIANGLE HAS EXPERIENCE REALLY HIGH LEVELS OF VIOLENCE. A LOT OF THIS IS PERPETRATED BY GANGS IN THOSE REGIONS. STEL:LA KIMBERLY TEACHES LATIN AMERICAN HISTORY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO AND EXPLAINED MANY ARE COMING TO THE UNITED STATES BORDER FLEEING VIOLCEEN. >> THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RATES ARE ASTRONOMICAL. AS ARE THE FAMOUS SIDE RA -- FECIMIDE RATES. STELLA: WOMEN AND CHILDREN ARE FREELY TARGETED. >> YOU CAN KILL A WOMAN WITH ALMOSTO NRISK OF REPERCUSSIONS. STELLA: THOUSANDS ARE LEAVING, LOOKING FOR A BETTER LIFE IN THE U.S. >> LOOK AT THESE NUMBERS JUST RELEASE. THESE ARE PEOPLE COMING TO OUR STATE’S BORDER WITH MEXICO. THE MAJORITY OF MIGRANTS HAVE REPORTED MEXICO AT THEIR HOME COUNTRY, FOLLOWED BY GUATEMALA, HONDURAS, AND EL SALVADOR. >> MANY OF THESE PEOPLE GOGIN BACK TO THEIR COUNTRIES IS SIMPLY NOT AN OPTION. IF THEY WANT TO SAVE THE LIVES, AND THE LIVES OF THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS. ROYA:LE A GROWING NUMBER OF PATIENTS ARE FLEEING -- PATIENTS -- HAITIANS ARE FLEEST UNREST. ROLE:YA MANY KNOW WHAT IT MEANS TO CHASE THE AMERICAN DREAM. THE BORDER IS SO CLOSE AND IMMIGRATION HAS ALWAYS BEEN PART OF LIFE, BUT NOW THE MAYOR SAYS THERE IS REASON FOR CONRNCE >> I KNOW THAT SOME INDIVIDUALS ARE COMING OVER HERE BECAUSE OF DIRE SITUATIONS AND THEY ARE LOOKING FOR A BETTER FUTURE. FOR US, IT IS A HUMANITARIAN CRISIS AND WE ARE GOING TO CONTINUE WITH THAT HUMANITARIAN CRISISNT UIL THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DOES SOMETHING ABOUT THE ISSUE. TO: DDTHE MAYOR BELIEVES DECISION-MAKERS CAN FIND COMMON GROUND BY LISTENING TO THE PEOPLE WHO CALL HIS TOWNHOME. STEPHANIE SPENT TIME HEARING THEIR STORI.ES STEPHANIE: THE SUNLAND PARK POLICE CHIEF SAYS MORE AND MEOR TICIZENS ARE GROWING CONCERNED. >>HEY T ARE GETTING TIRED OF PEOPLE HINIDG UNDER THEIR HOUSES. THEY ARE AFRAID THAT SOMETHGIN IS GOING TO HAPPEN. STEPHANIE: MANY CROSS THE BORDER AND HEAD STRAIGHT INTO THESE NEIGHBORHOODS. >> THERE’S A GUHIDIY NG IN MY BACKYARD. STEPHAE:NI AND THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE THERE: 1 1.-- CALL 911. >> I ALREADY TOLD THEM TO LEAVE BUT THEY KEEP KNOCKING ON THE ORDO AND TRYING TO PULL THE DOOR. STEPHANIE: THIS WOMAN WAS STARTLED TAKING OUT THE TRASH.>> HE WAS INSIDE THE TRASHCAN. STEPHANIE: THE PEOPLE WE TALKED TO LIVE THERE BUT ARE AFRAID TO BE IDENTIFIED. >> IT’S JUST HORRIBLE, IT’S OUT OF HAND. WE ARE N TOTALKING ABOUT FIVE PEOPLE, WE ARE TALKING ABOUT MAYBE 20 PEOPLE A DAY, EVEN MORE. STEPHANIE: SHE HAS SEEN SO MANY STRANGERS IN HER YARD THAT SHE INSTALLED SECURITY CAMERAS. >> THEY WERE KNOCKING ON WINDOWS. WE DIDN’T KNOW WHO WAS OUT THERE. STEPHANIE: IT IS A TOUGH SITUATION. THE LOCA DEPARTMENT CAN’T ENFORCE FEDERAL IMMIGRATION LAW, SO BORDER PATROL IS FREQUENTLY CALLED TO HELP. >> IT IS A THING THAT IS REAL BUT WE HAVE TO BECOME HUMANITARIANS AS WELL. WE HAVE TO UNDERSTAND. NOT EVERYBODY IS COMING HERE TO COMMIT A CRIME, THEY ARE COMING HERE TO A BETTER LIFE. TBU ALSO, THERE IS ANOTHER WAY OF DOING IT. STHAEPNIE: HIS OFFICERS DEALT WITH TRAGIC SCENES. MIGRANTS WHO DON’T MAKE IT FROM DEHYDRATION OR THE ROUGH TERRAIN. >> CAN T LHEAST FOUR WEEKS, WE’VE HAD EIGHT BODIES THAT WE VEHA RECOVERED THAT HAVE DIED IN THE DESERT. JUSTIN SUNLAND PK. STEPHANIE: FOR THOSE W DHOO MAKE THE JOURNEY, SOME RESIDENTS DO OFFER HELP AND THEN ASKED MIGRANTS TO LEAVE. >> I WISH I COULD HELP THEM. THE ONLY WAY TO HELP THEM IS TO GRAB YOU SOME WATER, SOME FOOD IF I HAVE THE CHANCE. STEPHANIE: THE POLICE CHIEF SAYS WHAT HAPPENS HERE IMPACTS THE WHOLE STATE. >> THE PROBLEM IS REAL HERE IN SOMEONE PART. IT IS A REAL PROBLEM -- SUNLAND PARK. TBU IF WE COULD STEP IN HERE, THAT MEANS THAT PEOPLE IN NORTHERN NEW MEXICO COULD SLEEP AT HERT A NIGHT. STEPHANIE: BECAUSE RIGHT NOW -- SLEEP BETTER AT NIGHT. STEPHANI BECAUSE RIGHT NOW, PEOPLE ARE NOT SLEEPING WELL. >> I CAN’T SLEEP BECAEUS THERE IS A HELICOPTER. MY DOG ISARKI BNG AND I CAN’T SLEEP ALIGHT BECAUSE THIS IS HAPPENING EVERY FREAKING NIGHT. IT IS EVERY NIGHT. TO:DD BORDER PATROL AGENTS WE TALKED WITH SAY IT IS NOT AGAINST THE LAW TO GIVE MIGRANTS FOOD OR WATER. ROYALE: DIFFERENT AREAS IN THE BORDER EXPERIENCE DIFFERENT ISSUES, BUT THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE THERE SHARE ONE THING: FRUSTRATION. >> RIGHT NOW I HEAR A LOT OF TALK, A LOT OF WHINING. >>LK, A LOT OF WHINING. THE IMMIGRATION SYSTEM ABSOLULYTE NEEDS REVAMP. TO:DD UP NEXT, THE IDEAS FOR CHANGE AND THE QUEST FOR COMMON GROUND. ROYALE: NEW MEXICO’S BORDER IS DIVERSE. YOU HAVE POPULATED AREAS LIKE SUNLAND PARK WHICH IS RIGHT NEXT TO EL PASO, TEXAS AND JUAREZ, MEXICO. TODD: BUT MUCH OF OUR BORDER IS FAR AWAY FROM ANY TOWNS. THAT CREATES THE UNIE QUISSUES FOR FARMERS AND RANCHERS. ANGEL: RUSSELL JOHNSON LIVES IN COLUMBUS. >> NEVER IN MY LIFE HAVE I HAD TO WALK AROUND MY PROPERTY WITH A PISTOL ON MY HIP. I FEEL IT NECESSARY NOW. IT’S CONSTANT. EVERYDAY WE SEE SOMETHING AND I KNOW WE ARE NOSET EING ALL OF IT. ANGEL: TWO YEARS AGO HE INVITED DONALD TRUMP TO BUILD A PARTF O THE WALL ON HIS RANCH. AT THE TIME, LARGE GROUPS OF MIGRANTS, SOME EVEN IN CARAVANS, WERE MAKING THEIR WAY TO THE BORDER. >> WE DON’T HAVE THE UNACCOMPANIED MIGRANTS AND FAMILIES CROSSING HERE. IT’S PRIMARILY SINGLE, ADULT MALES. ANGEL: HE FREQUENT BECAUSE THE SHERIFF BECAUSE OF INSTANCES LIKE THIS. >> THEY BEAT THIS OUTLET PIPE, THIS COULD BE 10,000 GALLONS OF WATER LOST. ANL: >> NOT ONLY DID WE LOST -- LOSE THE WATER, BUT THE TIME IT TOOK TO PUMP IT, BUT WEAR AND TEAR. ANGEL: HIS $10,00 -- 10,000 GAONLL WATER PIPE WAS BROKEN. WHAT THEY DID COST RUSSELL AT HIS FARM TIME AND MONEY. >> I WAS STARTING TO SEE MORE OF THE CRIMINAL ELEMENT COMING ACROSS. ANGE CARL: CHASES LIKE THIS ONE AREN’T UNCOMMON. BORDER PATROL AGENTS IN PURSUIT OF A SUSPECT. JUST ONE YEAR AGO, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT BEGAN CONSTRUCTION OF THIS BORDER WALL. RUSSELL SAYITS HAS PROTECTED HIS PROPERTY BUT THERE IS ANOTHER SIDE TO THE STORY. >> THESE PEOPLE, THEY NEEDED HELP. ANGEL: JUST 30 MILES NORTH, YOU WILL FIND DENGMI. >> THE HARSTDE, MEANEST MAN THAT IS AGAINST HELPING TSEHE PEOPLE WOULD CHANGE HIS MIND, HER MIND WITNESSING WHAT I DID, ANYWAY. PRETTY HEARTBREAKING. ANL: IN 20 19,000 OF ASYLUM-SEEKERS WEREUSSED INTO THE CITY BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. >> 95% COMING ACROSS WERE FAMILIES. MOTHERS, FATHERS WITH INFANTS, CHILDREN. FROM JUST BEING BORN TO 16 YEARS OLD. ANL: HOW DO WE HELP THOSE WHO ARE IN NEED WHILE KEEPING OUR PEOPLE SAFE? >> THE IMMIGRATION SYSTEM ABSOLUTELY NEEDS REVAMP. NOBODY IS WILLING TO HAVE A CONVERSATION. IT’S HARD WHEN ONE SIDE HAS GOT THEIR HEELS DUG IN AND THE OTHER SIDE HAS GOT THEIR HEELS DUG IN AND NOBODY IS WILLING TO VEGI HAVE DEMING FOUND SOLUTIONS. >> YOU HAVE A STAUNCH REPUBLICAN STANDING RIGHT BY A STAUNCH DEMOCRAT AND THEY GOT ALONG FOR THE CAUSE. IT WAS NICE TO SEE. IT REALLY WAS. TO: THE BORDER PATROL WANTS TO CRACK DOWN ON ORGANIZED CRIME AND THEY ARE TRYING TO TDOHAT WITH A NEW PROGRAM CALLED SE BUA,SC WHI MCHEANS TO LOOK FOR SOMEONE IN SPANISH. ROYALE: THEY WORKED WITH MEXICAN GOVERNMENTS TO IDENTIFY A MOST WANTED LIST OF CARTEL MEMBERS AND HUMAN SMUGGLERS AND PUT OUT AN ANONYMOUS TIP LINE. >> FORS, U IT IS A HUGE MOTIVATION AND A HUGE EFFORT THAT WE ARE COMMITTED TO NOT ONLY ON THE U.S. SIDE, BUT ALSO MEXICAN AUTHORITIES TO BRING THESE INDIVIDUALTOS JUSTICE, ANALYZE THE INFORMATION RECEIVED, AND SHARE IT WITH MEXICAN COUNTERPARTS. MANY OF THE ARRESTS ARE GOING TO BE MADE IN MEXICO. ROYALE: THE PROGRAM DOES TAKE A COMMITMENT FROM MEXICO. BILINGUAL REPORTER STEPHANIE MUNOZ OKESP ONE-ON-ONE WITH THE GOVERNOR OF THE MEXICAN STATE OF CHIHUAHUA AND OTHER MEXICAN DIGNITARIES ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP. STEPNIHA THE SISTER CITIES ARE PARTNERING TO BRING BACK A CRIME-FIGHTING STRATEGY. [SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE] STEPHANIE: HE SAYS THE TWO] COUNTRIES WILL SHARE INFORMATION ABOUT PEOPLE PART OF CRIMINAL ORGANIZATIONS. THE INITIATIVE IS NOT NEW TO THE BORDER. HE SAYS IN A CHIHUAHUA, WE’VE ARRESTED THREE PEOPLE IN THE 2019 CPAAMIGN, ALL FROM DIFFERENT CRIMINAL ORGANIZATIONS. SURE’ATTORNEY -- CHIHUAHUA’S ATTORNEY GENERAL SAYS THEY CAN SHE ARINFORMATION MORE QUICKLY. >> [SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE] STEPHANIE: SAYING WE HAVE TRIED TO FIND A WAY TO D FORMALIZED SYSTEM BECAUSE BEFORE, THE EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION COULD TAKE SEVERAL MONS.TH THESE EAR THE FACES OF THE 10 MOST WANTED PEOPLE ON THE LIST RIGHT NOW. THESE FACES WILL CHANGE AS MORE PEOPLE ARE ARRESTED. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SAYS IN SOME CASES WHEN AN ARREST IS MADE IN THE U.S., THE PERSON DETAEDIN TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT SOMETHING HAPPENING ON THE MEXICAN SI.DE THIS ALLOWS US TO IMMEDIATELY REACT AND GET INFORMATION AS QUICK AS A WHATSAPP.MESSAGE OR PHONE CALL THE MEXICAN DIGNITARIES I SPOKE WITH SAY INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION IS K.EY HE SAYS NOT ONLY DO YOU HAVAE PANERTRSHIP, BUT IT ALSO ESTABLISHES TRUST BETWEEN THE COMMUNITY AND LAW ENFORCE.NT REPORTING IN EL PASO, KOAT ACTION 7. ROYALE:N I THE U.S., THERE ARE TWO NUMBERS TO PROVIDE ANONYMOUS INFORMATION. YOU CAN SEE BOTH OF THEM RIGHT HERE. THE 1-800 NUMBER IS FOR PHONE CALLS. YOU CAN ALSO TEX THRTOUGH WHATSAPP. TO:DDEC THNOLOGY IS IMPORTANT AT PORTS OF ENTRY. IS WHERE MANY TRY THEIR CHANCES AT ENTERING WITH HIDDEN DRUGS, GUNS, AND PEOPLE. IT IS A FIFTH WHEEL, PACKED WITH MIGRANTS AT THE TEXAS PORT OF ENTRY. ABOUT 1000 VEHICLES PEDAR Y GO THROUGH THIS. AT THE PORT, YOU WILL FIND LICENSE PLATE READS,ER BODES LARGE X-RAY MACHINES AND OFFIRSCE QUESTIONINGHE T TRIP ACROSS THE BORDER. NEW MEXICO HAS THREE COUNTIES THAT BORDER MEXICOND A KEN STEWART IS THE SHERIFF OF ONE OF THEM. LET’S QUIT RUINING THE LANDSCAPE WITH WALLS. WE HAVE TECHNOLOGY. WE CAN TAKE PICTURES OF MARS. WE CAN DO ENORMOUS THINGS WITH TECHNOLOGY. DDTO RANCHERS FREQUENTLY FIND THE BODIES OF MIGRANTS. DEPUTIESPE ON INVESTIGATIONS AND THEN TRY TO DETERMINE WHO THEY ARE AND HOW THEY DIED. CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS ON EACH SIDE OF THE AISLE HAVE DIFFERENT OPINIONS ABOUT WHAT IS GOING ON AT THE BORDER. ROYA:LE FROM THE HEALTH LAW KEEPING MIGRASNT FROM SEEKING ASYLUM TO THE FUTURE OF IMMIGRATION LAW, REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS SEEK SOLUTIONS DIFFERENT. KAYLA REPORT ON THE DIVIDE. NEW MEXICO’S BORDERLANDS IS REPRESENTED IN CONGRESS BY REPUBLICAN YVETTE HERRELL. CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 2 COVERS THE ENTIRE DISTRICT OF MEXICO. >> JUST BECAUSE YOU DON’T LIVE IN NEW MEXICO OR ARIZONA OR TES,XA YOU THINK IT IS JUST AN ISOLATED ISSUE. IT IS NOT. THESE MIGRANTS ARE BEING PUSHED INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE COUNTRY BUT IT IS NOT JUST THE PEOPLE, IT IS THE ILLICIT DRUGS, IT IS THE FENTANYL, IS THE METHAMPHETAMINES. REPORT:ER SHE BELIEVES TITLE 42, A HEALTH WLA IMPLEMENTED UNDER PRESIDENT TRUMP CONTROL CONTAGION, SHOULD STAY IN PLACE. >> WE HAVE SEEN AN UPTICKN CASES, SO WHY WOULD WE ELIMINATE THE PROTECTED HEALTH ORDER THAT KEEPS AMERICSAN SAFE WHEN IT IS SIMPLY JUST A MATTER OF KEEPING THAT POLY IC PLAY, GIVING THE BORDER CONTROL AGENTS THE TOOLS THEY NEED TO HELP EXPEL THOSE ON THE BORDER? >> WE NEED TO REMEMRBE THAT TITLE 42 IS A 75-YEAR-DOL LAW THAT HAS BEEN USED IN THE PAST TO DISCRIMINATE. REPORT:ER TERESA FERNANDEZ IS A DEMOCRAT REPRESENTING THE NORTHERN PART OF NEW MEXICO. TITLE 42, WHEN THE CDC AUTHORIZED, WAS SUPPOSED TO BE USEDN O A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS AND UNDER THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION, THEY TOOK A SLEDGEHAMMER TO OUR IMMIGRATION PROCESSES AND IMMIGRATION POCY AND THEY MADE A DISASTER, WHICH WE ARE TRYING TO CLIMB OUT OF NOW. REPORTER:REPORTER: TITLE 42 IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT TOOLS AVAILABLE TO OUR BORDER PATROL AGENTS BECAUSE THEY AR ABLE TO DO THE JOB, DO IT VERY QUICKLY, AND EXPEL THESE ILLEGALS. REPORTER: REPRESENTED OF HARDOL WILL USE- - HERRELL WILL USE IT AS PART OF POLY.IC >> PRESIDENT TRUMP PUT POLICIES IN PLACE THAT ACTUALLY HPED.EL WE GAVE ANDE W HAD ACCESS TO PRESOURCES FOR OUR BORDER PATROL AGENT WHO WERE BUILDING THE WALL. THIS BILL IS RYVE DIFFERENT BECAUSE IT REALLY IS AN OPEN BORDER SITUATION. >> WE HAVE THE ABILITY IN THE UNITED STATES RIGHT NOW TO RAPIDLY TEST AND TO VACCINATE. SO WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO PROTECT ROU HEALTH AND OUR BORDSER WITHOUT INDISCRIMINATELY TURNING EVERYBODY BACK. REPORTER: REPRESENTED FERNANDOS SAYS THERE NEEDS TO BE CHANGED. >> WE NEED TO APPLY OUR IMMIGRATION LAWS IN A MANNER THAT IS HUMANE, AND THAT IS LEGAL. RE PORTER: RIGHT NOW, ASKING FOR ASYLUM IS NOTASY E TO DO WITH TITLE 42 IN PLACE. TODD: CONGRESS WORKS ON SOLUTIONS AND PEOPLE HERE ON THE GROUND ARE WORKING ON THR EIOWN. ROYALE: MEMBERS OF BETHEL BAPTIST IN DEMING HAD TO MAKE A DECISION. TODD: THOUSANDS OF MIGRANTS A DAY WERE BEING DROPPED OFF IN TOWN. >> INITIALLY I WAS KIND OF OPPOSED TO IT MYSELF BECAUSE I WAS THINKING THEY ARE COMING HERE ILLEGALLY. BUT THEN WHEN YOU SEE TM HEAND YOU SEE THAT THE ONES THAT WE GOT THROUGH DEMING WERE FAMILY UNITS, FOR THE MOST PART. YOUNG KIDS. I THOUGHT, THESE PEOPLE NEED A ANCHCE. TODD: THE CHURCHS I WILLING TO HELP WNHE MIGRANTS ARE ONCE AGAIN ALLOWED TO SEEK ASYLUM AT THE BORDER. ROYA:LE AND THEY AREN’T THE ONLY ONES. STEPHANIE VISITED BUS PROCE.SS -- LAS CRUCES. STEPHAE:NI ONE OF THE EARLIEST TRADE ROUTES LINKING MEXICO CITY TO WHAT IS NOW NEW MEXICO. >> THE LITTLE MIRACLE CRCHUH BECAUSE IT ISOS SMALL, PEOPLE SAY, YOU GUYS ARE HELPING FAMILIES? REPORTER: THE COMMUNITY HELPS IN PA BIG WAY. >> THEY ARE LIK IE, HEARD THAT YOU GUYS NEED SHOELACES OR I HEARD YOU GUYS NEED DIAPERS OR BABY WIPES. BLANKE.TS WE ARE LIKE, YES, BRING THEM. YOU DON’T SAY NO. REPORT:ER THOUSANDS OF MIGRANTS SEEKING ASYLUM CAME THROUGH THE CHURCH DOORS. NOW, THE SHELTER IS EMPTY BECAUSE OF A HEALTH LAW IN PLACE AT THE BORDER. NOT AS MANY MIGRANTS ARE ALLOWED TO SEEK ASYLUM. >> WE ARE HELPING PEOPLE WHORE A ALREADY HERE IN NEW MEXICO AND LAS CRUCES. REPORTER THE DIRECTOR SAYS THEY STILL GO THROUGH TO HELP FAMILIES BEING RELEASED FROM ICE OR BORDER PATROL CUSTODY. THE VOLUNTEERS WHO SPEAK SPANISH HELPO TBREAK LANGUAGE BARRIERS. I ASKED, WHAT DO PEOPLE SAY WHEN THEY SEEOU Y SHE TOLD ME THEY FEEL RELIEF, KNOWING THERE’S PEOPLE TO HELP. RIGHT NOW, HUNDREDS OF MIKE PENCE ARE WAITG INAT THE SHELTER INJ -- HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE ARE WAITING AT THE SHELTER IN JUAREZ. >> WE ARE HOPING THEYTILL S CONTINUE GOING SLOWLY BUT WE KNOW FAMILIES ARE GOING TO START COMING IN AND HOPEFULLY NOTHING ELSE HAPPENS. REPORTER: IN THE MEANTIME, THEY EAR FREEZE-DRYING FRUITS AND VEGGIES, FOOD FOR MIGRANTS THAT WILL LASFORT MONTHS. >> THIS HEALTHY, NUTRITIOUS FOOD. REPORTER: THEY KNOW THE CALL TO HELP HUNDREDCOS ULD COME AT ANY TIME. >> WE ARE HERE TO HELP. WE DON’T KNOW WHEN. ROYALE: SOME EXPERTS SAY COVERT RESTRICTNSIO AT THE BORDER BLOCKED MORE TN HA750,000 MIGRANTS FROM SEEKING ASYLUM. WHEN THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION LIFTS OR MAKES CHANGESO T TITLE 42, THAT COULD ALL CHANGE. WE SEE HOW THE BORDERLAND IS GEINTTG READY. >> CRYSTAL GONZAZLE WORKS HERE IN DEMING. AN ORGANIZATION THAT HELPS ASYLUM-SEEKERS BACKN I2019. >> WE GOT THE PHONE CALL THAT WE WERE GOING TO RECEIVE 100 ASYL-SEEUMKERS. 100. >> 100 TURNED INTO THOUSANDS. >> WE WEREN’T PREPARED FOR THAT TRAUMA THAT THESE PEOPLE HAD ENDURED. REPORTER: THEY NOT ONLY FOUND A PLACE TO STAY, BUT A HE.OM >> WE ACTUALLY KEEP TRACK OF SOME OF THE FAMILIES, WE ARE IN COMMUNICATION WITH THEM. THEY WILL FOREVER SAY THAT OUR COUNTY WAS AN ANSWERED PRAR.YE WE REALIZED WHAT WE COULD DO WHEN WE DID COME TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY. AND WE WILL NEVER BE THE SAME. REPORTER: TODAY, THEY ARE HELPING A HANDFUL OF ASYLUM-SEERSKE. >> THE OTHER DAY WE HAD A PHONE CALL AND WE RESPONDED TO SURROUNDING SHELTERS. REPORTER: DAN IF HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF... >> YOU NEED IT, WE HAVE IT. FIVE YEARS FROM NOW, WE HOPE YOU HAVE A RANCH FOR ANYBODY IN TRANSITION. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT THIS BIG, GEHU RANCH THAT IS HELPING ANYBODY IN TRANSITION, ASYLUM-SEEKERS. TO:DD YOU CAN SEE THAT BORDER COMMUNYIT READY TO REACT TO ANY CHANGE IN MIGRATION TRENDS. BUT ITS I OUR LEADERS IN WASHINONGT WHO CAN MAKE CHANGES TO THE ENTIRE IMMIGRATION SYSTEM. TODD: ROYALE: ROYALE: MANY POLITICIANS TALK ABOUT WORKING ACROSS THE AISLE AND IF YOU TALK TO PEOPLE WHO LIVE INHE T BORDERLAND, THEY SAY IMMIGRATION SOLUTIONS CAN’T BE FOUND WITHOUT FIRST ESTABLISHING SOME COMMON GROUND. DD:TO PROJECT COMMUNITY: BORDER DIVIDE WILL CONTUEIN TO TRACK WHAT IS HAPPENING AT THE BORDER AND THE IDEAS FOR CHANGE. ROYALE: FOR NOW, I’M ROYALE DA. TODD: AND I’M TODD KURTZ. THANKS FOR WATCHING. ♪
Project Community: Border Divide
Updated: 6:16 PM MDT Jul 30, 2021
KOAT's bilingual team of journalists fanned out across the New Mexico border to hear firsthand what people and law enforcement officials are experiencing relating to immigration and border security. For the first time, our team speaks with dignitaries in Mexico about a partnership with the United States to find and prosecute people accused of trafficking drugs, guns and people.What is Title 42 and what does it have to do with immigration?Title 42 is a health law that was put on the books 75 years ago to stop contagion. When the pandemic started, the Trump administration implemented it as a way to stop the spread of COVID-19. So now instead of migrants being able to ask for asylum and be able to stay in the United States during that process, Title 42 allows border patrol agents to expel them, sending them to Mexico or their home country. We dig deeper into the origin of this law and its future in immigration. Patrolling the Border: An inside lookAgents patrol the border with helicopters, on horseback, four wheelers and in their trucks. High-tech surveillance also helps them spot things they can’t see with their own eyes. We take a patrol with agents in Sunland Park to get an inside look on how this process works. Why so many migrants take that risk to cross the border?Thousands are leaving their country, looking for a better life in the United States. But why take that risk?We look at that extreme violence that so many migrants are fleeing and why going home is simply not an option. ‘Tired of people hiding under their house’From helicopters flying overhead all day and night to groups of people hiding under their homes, residents who live along the border in Sunland Park say something needs to change. Border security vs. Border humanity Columbus rancher Russel Johnson says immigrants crossing the border and into his land has cost him thousands in damages. From there we talk to Alexi Jackson, who works as the Community Services Director in Deming. Jackson says even the most hardened people against immigration would change their mind if they witnessed what he did. More on the two perspectives here >>'Se Busca'Can an international collaboration between the United States and Mexico help fight crime along the border. We talk to international dignitaries that say yes. Lawmakers argue for and against Title 42Congresswoman Yvette Herrell says Title 42 is critical to protecting our borders during a pandemic, while Congresswoman Teresa Ledger Fernandez says the law is dangerous as it has been used in the passed to enable discrimination. El Cavario Church works to help migrantsEven in a pandemic, this “little miracle church” in southern New Mexico is committed to helping immigrants. Colores United prepares for the future Two years ago, the city of Deming took on thousands of immigrants. Today, they are helping just a handful. We talk to the organizers of a shelter that helps asylum seekers on how they’re preparing for any future influx of migrants.More on the work Colores United is committed to doing >>Melissa Williams, Stephanie Muniz and Angel Salcedo contributed to this reporting
KOAT's bilingual team of journalists fanned out across the New Mexico border to hear firsthand what people and law enforcement officials are experiencing relating to immigration and border security.
For the first time, our team speaks with dignitaries in Mexico about a partnership with the United States to find and prosecute people accused of trafficking drugs, guns and people.
What is Title 42 and what does it have to do with immigration?
Title 42 is a health law that was put on the books 75 years ago to stop contagion. When the pandemic started, the Trump administration implemented it as a way to stop the spread of COVID-19.
So now instead of migrants being able to ask for asylum and be able to stay in the United States during that process, Title 42 allows border patrol agents to expel them, sending them to Mexico or their home country.
We dig deeper into the origin of this law and its future in immigration.
Patrolling the Border: An inside look
Agents patrol the border with helicopters, on horseback, four wheelers and in their trucks. High-tech surveillance also helps them spot things they can’t see with their own eyes.
We take a patrol with agents in Sunland Park to get an inside look on how this process works.
Why so many migrants take that risk to cross the border?
Thousands are leaving their country, looking for a better life in the United States. But why take that risk?
We look at that extreme violence that so many migrants are fleeing and why going home is simply not an option.
‘Tired of people hiding under their house’
From helicopters flying overhead all day and night to groups of people hiding under their homes, residents who live along the border in Sunland Park say something needs to change.
Border security vs. Border humanity
Columbus rancher Russel Johnson says immigrants crossing the border and into his land has cost him thousands in damages.
From there we talk to Alexi Jackson, who works as the Community Services Director in Deming. Jackson says even the most hardened people against immigration would change their mind if they witnessed what he did.
More on the two perspectives here >>
'Se Busca'
Can an international collaboration between the United States and Mexico help fight crime along the border. We talk to international dignitaries that say yes.
Lawmakers argue for and against Title 42
Congresswoman Yvette Herrell says Title 42 is critical to protecting our borders during a pandemic, while Congresswoman Teresa Ledger Fernandez says the law is dangerous as it has been used in the passed to enable discrimination.
El Cavario Church works to help migrants
Even in a pandemic, this “little miracle church” in southern New Mexico is committed to helping immigrants.
Colores United prepares for the future
Two years ago, the city of Deming took on thousands of immigrants. Today, they are helping just a handful. We talk to the organizers of a shelter that helps asylum seekers on how they’re preparing for any future influx of migrants.
More on the work Colores United is committed to doing >>
Melissa Williams, Stephanie Muniz and Angel Salcedo contributed to this reporting