The US-Mexico border

It is 3,141 km long (1,951 mi) according to figures provided by the CIA. OK, it is not the nearly 9,000 km / 5600 mi which run between Canada and the US, but it is ranked in the Top 10 of the longest terrestrial border. It is quite straight along California, Arizona and New Mexico. And then, in the South of Texas, it follows the Rio Grande (a.k.a. Rio Bravo by the Mexicans) on 2,000 km / 1,240 mi.

But beyond those geographical facts, it is more than anything one of the most sensitive borders on Earth. In 2006, the Congress of the United States approved the construction of a “secure fence” (as stated in the Act) to materialize the border but more importantly to reduce illegal immigration and smuggling (drug trafficking in other words). This fence is at least 6-meter high (35 feet), sometimes doubled, and fully equipped with cameras and all kinds of sensors. It doesn't from the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico but, when finished, it will be more than 1,100 km long (680 mi).

A lot of people, included in the US, are opposed to this project which reminds darker hours in contemporary history (the Berlin Wall) or even more recent (the wall between Israel and the Palestinian territories). On the field, those who really want to cross that border run up against greater dangers, going deeper in the desert for instance, whereas others dig tunnels to pass drug from one side to another.

More importantly, I have the impression that it reinforces a certain fear among the US people against their Southern neighbors. Numerous are those who suggested me to avoid Mexico on my way towards Patagonia. And the image of Mexicans and Latinos in the US is getting worse.

For those who live on the border, it is mainly a denial of reality imposed to them. Indeed, the border does not separate two different worlds. There is a strong Mexican influence in the South of the United States and vice versa. Many do business across the border, while others pass through daily to work on the other side. Some have family on both sides. And the construction of the wall combined with a strengthening of control procedures complicates the border crossing and therefore these exchanges.

Finally, the photos you will see are all taken on the US side, except the last two. You will also see the traces of fire, common in the region. Obviously, for the flames, there is no boundary. But you still see the difference: with the road along the fence on the U.S. side, firefighters have better access to fire and can contain their side when it caught on fire in Mexico. In general, there is good cooperation between firefighters and bomberos when it comes to fight together against a fire which can quickly turn to impressive from what I've seen in the region.

Nota: I lately had difficulties to properly connect to the internet from my computer. It didn't allow me to post sooner. I hope it will not be like that too much in the future. Thanks for your patience and stay tuned! :-)