Families in Mexico have been resorting to desperate and dangerous tactics to escape onerous immigration barriers set up by the US government. According to a new report, some families have been walking through long blades of grass up to their chests to dodge checkpoints.
The report published in the New York Times provides a glimpse into difficult conditions that many migrants and their families face. Tens of thousands of families have been forced to cross the border in dangerous conditions, often risking their lives in one of the most dangerous US territories.
According to the New York Times, authorities have set up an extensive network of checkpoints, manned by officers and agents who try to stop anyone deemed as “illegal.” Families attempting to cross the border without authorization often face metal barricades and dogs trained to detect unapproved migrants.
Families in need of escaping this blockade have come up with dangerous strategies, some of which include walking through long grass up to their chests to avoid detection. This has often led to people coming across dangerous animals, such as venomous snakes, or being exposed to toxic chemicals from pesticides.
Calls have been made for the US government to improve the conditions at the border, and allow families to cross without putting them in danger. The report highlighted the tragic story of a father who trudged through the long grass, only to be caught at a checkpoint. The man was arrested and deported, leaving his family behind.
The plight of these families highlights the impact of US immigration policy on vulnerable populations. While migrant and refugee rights remain a contentious issue, the New York Times report serves as a reminder of the harsh realities that many face on a daily basis.
It is a matter of urgency that the US government provides a safe and humane environment to those attempting to cross the border. In the absence of a comprehensive immigration reform, it is essential that the US government guarantee the safety and rights of migrants and refugees. Nothing less will suffice.