Texas "Killing Field" a Tragic Result of Governmental Inaction

[Jagger69]

I am all for human rights but the porous nature of the US border with Mexico and the lure of the land of opportunity has created a massive influx of illegal immigrants that will only get worse if something is not done to deter it. Honduras needs to get its shit together and help us in eliminating the desire for their citizens to make the long and dangerous journey to what they believe will be freedom and prosperity in the USA (good luck with that, huh?).

I was down in Hidalgo, Starr, Zapata and Webb counties a few weeks ago and the level of activity by the border patrol and local police was off the scale on US Highway 83. I saw a border patrol helicopter hovering over a grove of scrub vegetation and two Starr county sheriff vehicles with a full array of officers who had a group of illegals cornered. The situation is completely out of control and yet it seems that nothing is being done to stem the tide of illegal immigrants who cross the border on a constant basis. As a taxpayer, I am angered by this undo burden on me and others like me. Don't misread my attitude....I have great compassion for these people who are fleeing the violence and tyranny of their current situation in hopes of finding a better life. Get one thing straight however....come here legally and pay your taxes or don't bother trying to come at all.

Eventually, just like a lifeboat designed to hold a certain number of passengers that continues to allow more and more people to come aboard....the boat will sink and all will drown. As Americans, we cannot allow that to occur. Problem is, our do-nothing government continues to argue, complain and finger-point without accomplishing anything to change the situation. This issue is Obama's Katrina as far as I am concerned and I am extremely disappointed that he did not take the time to actually visit the border and check out the situation for himself while he was in Texas today. Take a look at both of these videos on the page that is being referenced for a clear picture of what is actually going on down here and the lack of urgency on behalf of the government to change this critical situation (Sorry for any ads):

http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/im...s-brooks-county-death-valley-migrants-n152121

In Brooks County, Texas, where the mercury regularly tops 100 degrees in the summer, Chief Deputy Benny Martinez says he prays for rain — because it keeps the body count down.

Even though his county is 70 miles north of the border, it's a crossing point for undocumented migrants coming from Central America, the source of a surge that has plunged the U.S. immigration system into crisis.

"We have recovered 37 bodies this year," Martinez told NBC Nightly News. "And it's fair to say every one we recover, we are missing five or 10. There's a lot of bodies out there."

Last year, Border Patrol documented 445 deaths of migrants coming to the United States — the third-highest number since 1998. The National Foundation for American Policy estimates an immigrant trying to sneak into the country today is eight times more likely to die than one a decade ago.

Even more troubling, the number of children — especially those traveling without their parents — is surging. Law enforcement officers say more of them are meeting tragic ends as they confront dangerous conditions on rough, shadeless terrain during their 1,000-mile journey.

"I really do pray for rain every day," Martinez said. "We need some help with moisture to keep the body count down."

This report is part of a look at the border crisis, "Desperate Journey: Children at America's Border." Check back for more on NBCNews.com and Nightly News With Brian Williams this week.

Elias Pompa, a reserve deputy, has seen an increase in women and children coming through what ranchers have dubbed "Death Valley."

"It hurts me sometimes to turn them in, but it's my job," he said.

They are turned over to federal detention centers, which have been overwhelmed by the rise in under-18 arrivals and have been scrambling to find shelter for them.

Many women and children surrender right after making it across the Rio Grande, but for those who continue on through the ranch lands of south Texas, the danger grows.

"It's harsh terrain," Pompa said. "I walk an hour and am out of breath...If you don't have a compass or guide, you're not gonna get out."

Edgar Tuaca, a 20-something Guatemalan, knows the perils well. He left his home country on June 17 and surrendered in Brooks County on July 8, clambering out of some brush near the roadside.

"Three days I was in there," he said, crying. "I couldn't hold on."

Three or four smugglers led his group across the desert. He paid about $3,000 and was told the trip would require two hours of walking. Instead, he and the others trudged endlessly in the blistering heat with no water or food.

Tuaca said he made it farther than some.

"Bit by bit people were getting left behind," he said. "If you could hang you were fine, but if not, they left you behind.

"I was there, left for dead, for three days," he added. "One leg is completely swollen, my other knee is the same, and I just couldn't walk anymore.

"Better for me to turn myself in," he said.

The transportation worker had hoped to make it to a friend's house in Virginia. Instead, he will be put into detention and potentially deported to Guatemala without the money he hoped to make to help a cancer-stricken nephew.

He said if that happens, he would not attempt the odyssey again.

"Those who do cross it it must be because they're lucky or because they have God with them," he said.

How can he take time out to shoot pool and drink beer in a Colorado bar and yet not have time to visit the border to examine the crisis for himself? Unbelievable. Whatever happened to the guy who ran for president back in 2008 with such a strong message of hope? FUCKING DO SOMETHING, WOULD YA???

Here I am agreeing with Rick Perry, Ted Cruz and John Cornyn....Geezus....we are so fucked!

 

[sean miguel]

What's telling is that reporters given a tour of the holding facilities are not allowed to take any pictures, talk to any of the people being housed, the medical staff or anyone else. Any federal workers who do talk to the media about what is going on are threatened with termination. What is this, fucking North Korea? Transparency my dick hole.

 

[sean miguel]

^ links here: http://www.theblaze.com/stories/201...while-touring-immigrant-detention-facilities/
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/201...er-told-no-recording-no-pictures-no-questions

 

[Rey C.]

I don't understand why Obama has rejected calls for him to visit the border. My feeling is that if you ask Congress to grant $1 billion in aid & assistance, then you should be willing to visit the area, ya know, where the crisis is...