Wall along border will increase human smuggling

Opinion

Discussion

February 20, 2006

Anonymous Pharos-Tribune Mon Feb 20, 2006, 11:36 AM EST

By YOLANDA CHAVEZ LEYVA

Guest Columnist

Tightening up on the borders has perverse — and fatal — consequences. A Texas federal court jury recently convicted three people in a notorious human smuggling case.

The crime was grisly: In May 2003, 19 undocumented immigrants — including a 5-year-old boy — from Mexico, Central and South America died after being locked in an abandoned truck in Victoria, Texas.

Victor Sanchez Rodriguez, his wife, Emma Sapata Rodriguez and her half-sister, Rosa Sarrata Gonzalez, all U.S. citizens, were convicted of conspiracy to harbor and transport undocumented immigrants. In total, 11 people have been convicted for their role in the smuggling operation.

More than 70 men, women and children were locked in an airless trailer for the trip from the border into Texas. Seventeen perished from dehydration, overheating and suffocation during their six-and-a-half-hour ordeal. Two more died later.

The trial has brought renewed attention to an increasing problem. Over the past decade, human smugglers — or “coyotes,” as they are also known — have become more sophisticated and their work more profitable. They can sometimes command thousands of dollars from those who are desperate to enter the United States.

Increased efforts at border surveillance, along with new policies making it more difficult to cross the border, have not deterred smugglers, however. Rather, they have allowed them to charge would-be migrants even higher rates.

Unfortunately, legislation under consideration by Congress could increase the instances of organized smuggling, along with the profits to be made by unscrupulous smugglers.

In December, the House approved the Sensenbrenner bill, which, among other provisions, would build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The wall, supporters say, would help keep out undocumented immigrants and terrorists. But this is good news to smugglers.

The Senate and other government officials must look at the reality of the border, the interdependence between both nations and the never-ending U.S. desire for cheap labor. They — and we as a country — must acknowledge that the inhumane anti-immigrant stance will not stop the movement of people across the border. It will only make it deadlier and more profitable for criminals.

It’s easy for Americans who are frustrated by the economy and changing demographics to be pulled in by the anti-immigrant rhetoric of politicians and hate groups. Fear breeds more fear.

We must start looking at the reality of our relationship with Mexico. Both nations — our histories, our economies and our governments — are profoundly linked.

Building a wall is simply caving to fear. If we take a moral stand against smuggling, as we did in the Texas case, then we must also take a stand against the callousness that make these crimes more profitable.

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Opinion

Public forum
Letters of up to 400 words may be submitted to Public Forum, Pharos-Tribune, 517 E. Broadway, Logansport IN 46947. The email address is publicforum@pharostribune.com, and the fax number is 574-732-5070.

February 11, 2012
A positive step for public schools
Indiana is one of 10 states granted waivers last week from provisions of the federal No Child Left Behind law. The waiver appears to be a step forward for schools across the state.

February 11, 2012
An outstanding community effort
United Way of Cass County announced this week that it had raised more than $600,000 in its most recent campaign. The campaign’s success is a testament to the generosity of local residents and to the great work of the United Way and its member agencies.

February 9, 2012
Thorns & Roses
Thorns & Roses is our staff’s compilation of the best and worst of the week, but if you have your own nominations, feel free to send them along for publication in our Public Forum. Submissions of up to 400 words may be addressed to Pharos-Tribune, 517 E.
Broadway, Logansport IN 46947. The fax number is 574-732-5070, and the email address is publicforum@pharostribune.com. Don’t forget to include your name, address and daytime telephone number.

February 9, 2012
Public forum
Letters of up to 400 words may be submitted to Public Forum, Pharos-Tribune, 517 E. Broadway, Logansport IN 46947. The email address is publicforum@pharostribune.com, and the fax number is 574-732-5070.

February 8, 2012
Another step forward for local trails
Local officials broke ground this week on the planned Eel River Run from downtown to Riverside Park. The project will expand a trail system of which the community can be proud.

February 8, 2012
White should not return to office
The conviction of Indiana’s secretary of state on charges of voter fraud has left Republicans and Democrats fighting over who will hold the office. No matter how the fight comes out, Charlie White’s ouster from office should be permanent.

February 7, 2012
Even in names, Eli beats Peyton
Columnist Dave Kitchell looks at the names of Cass County's babies in 2011 - and the effect they may have had on the Super Bowl.

February 7, 2012
Public forum
Letters of up to 400 words may be submitted to Public Forum, Pharos-Tribune, 517 E. Broadway, Logansport IN 46947. The email address is publicforum@pharostribune.com, and the fax number is 574-732-5070.

February 7, 2012
A grand success for Indianapolis
The just-ended Super Bowl was the result of decades of preparation. Indianapolis left a great impression on the thousands of visitors who descended on the city.

February 6, 2012
More Opinion Headlines

Opinion

Search Results

Discussion

Wall along border will increase human smuggling

Indiana was among 10 states granted a waiver last week from requirements of the No Child Left Behind law. Do you believe that was a good move?

Site Map

Contact Us