Coyotes

Coyotes are in abundance down here. I'm not talking about the animal when speaking of coyotes. A coyote or "pollero" is the term used when talking about a human smuggler. Human smuggling is a multi-million dollar business along the 2,000 miles of border that Mexico and the US share. For an average of $1,500, coyotes assist migrants in crossing the border into the U.S. illegally. They arrange a launching point, carved out trails, a guide to walk with them, decoys to throw off border patrol and travel arrangements and contacts on the U.S. side. Mexicans save for years and then travel North from their hometown to meet with a coyote and hope for a successful crossing. They are in such abundance here that I've met a few personally and had other well-known coyotes pointed out to me. Considering there are hundreds upon hundreds of people wishing to cross in Palomas, business is good for the coyotes.

A Dangerous Journey

Despite the help of coyotes, the crossing can still be very dangerous. As controls have become increasingly tighter in California, migration has moved to more remote locations, like the Arizona desert and the New Mexico desert. An increasing number of would-be immigrants are found dead along the border. In 2005, over 450 bodies were found. The cause of death was a combination of traveling long distances in extreme weather conditions, without much food or water and also becoming lost in the desert. There is a Mexican government-sponsored agency that operates in several towns and cities where border hopping is prevalent and their main goal is to reduce the number of deaths, inform people of their rights on either side of the border and help out any migrant in need. We first met them on our bus ride to Las Chepas, when they stopped the bus to talk to everyone. They handed us these pamphlets, which give advice on how to stay safe.

Here are some pictures from the pamphlet.


In the desert, avoid separating from your partners, especially if they are woman or children.




If you are stopped by any Mexican or American authority, do not run nor try to take anything out of your clothes and put your hands out in front.















Try to carry with you a flashlight and matches.







Avoid crossing rivers or walking by the riverbed. In a matter of minutes the level of water could rise and drag you in.

















When you decide to rest, check the place and move objects where you plan to sit or sleep; like rocks, sticks, shrubs. Poisonous animals exist there, like scorpions, spiders, snakes and others.





















If you are lost in the desert or you can't continue, stay together and make a smoky bonfire because it will be much easier for you to be located and rescued.




















When you board a vehicle, make sure the woman and children sit in the front cabin.


Never allow them to transport you in a truck without ventilation, because you can dehydrate or suffocate.



If the driver of the vehicle is driving too fast, ask them to drive slower and to be careful not too put your life in danger.