Las Chepas

We traveled by bus to Las Chepas, Mexico today. From the main square of Palomas, several school buses a day leave taking people to Las Chepas, which has become a well-known staging area for attempting to cross the border. The buses quickly fill up with people that to the innocent observer may think are taking a day trip to visit family. But, really they are in for the adventure of a lifetime and looking to leave their country and make the United States their new home. They are traveling to the last stop before making a run for the border. They carry very little with them, only a small bag, some water and snacks. Most are dressed warmly because they will undoubtedly spend several hours in the elements where temperatures easily dip into the 20’s at night. It took me awhile to realize the extent of what was happening before me. Our initial goal was to try to get permission to film on the bus, but I innocently thought that maybe people were going to Las Chepas for other reasons than hopping the border. But, as we talked to the bus drivers and people on the bus, it was clear that this was not the case. It took a lot of coercing for them to let us on the bus. The passengers on the bus eyed us wearily and with a touch of fear. It finally hit me after sitting on the bus for awhile waiting for word of departure and I got the chance to get a good look at the passengers. One girl in her early twenties sitting in the seat behind me grasped a bag with a blanket folded over the top. Her brother and his wife carried small backpacks as well with bottles of Gatorade stuffed in the side pockets. It was true. They had everything they needed to travel lightly in unpredictable circumstances. They carried on them all the possessions that they might need to start a new life in a new country. They had every intention of leaving Mexico and entering the United States illegally this very night. We ended up having to get off that bus and get on another bus because that one was going to be too full. The next bus was the same story. There were couples and young men all bundled up in warm clothes. As we rode for thirty minutes to the destination, I was overwhelmed with all sorts of emotions. One of the moments I remember most vividly is when we pulled out of Palomas and got the first full few of the border and the U.S. Nearly everyone on the bus looked out across the desert, eyeing their destination, their journey. Many said prayers in this same moment and touch the loved one next to them. I met many of them trying to break the ice and hear their story. Many understandably did not want to talk with us. In the end, we did not film anyone. But, I did have some conversations with people that will last with me for awhile. One man who I talked with named Augustine told me tonight was going to be his fourth time attempting to cross. Each time before he was caught. He spoke to me while his three buddies urged him to stop talking. This small group had no backpacks. Only groceries just bought at the store. They carried a shopping bag full of chips, several cans of refried beans and several one-gallon jugs of water. That is it. Then about fifteen minutes into the ride, we were pulled over by an orange truck that had police lights on top and Migracion (Migration) written on the side. I was worried. But, most people of the bus didn’t seem to be. Two uniformed men boarded the bus and began handing out pamphlets. What was in the pamphlets? There was advice on how to stay safe while migrating. What to do if lost in the desert. There was a reminder to bring food and water. And, there was a reminder not to get into the backs of vehicles that do not have ventilation. It advised people to put their hands up and not run if caught. The men advised everyone on the bus to carry water and dress warmly. Then they took down names on a voluntary basis to have on file in the event that something happens. Several people gave their names, age and place they come from freely to these two men. I was fascinated. This agency’s goal was to inform people of their human rights in an effort to minimize the loss of people’s lives.

Overall, the day was eye-opening, fascinating and draining all in the same go. As I get ready to sleep, I can’t help but wonder about the people I met today. Where are they right now? Are they hiding in a bush somewhere? Have they already been caught by the border control? Are they tired and pushing onward in the local mountain range just a few miles from where I am now? Did a lifelong dream possibly get realized tonight and they are in a safe house on the U.S. side of la frontera (the border)? This I will never know, but one thing is for sure, I will never forget the faces of the people I met today.



This stone monument marks the border of Mexico and the United States near Las Chepas