Radiolab – Border Trilogy Part 1: Hole in the Fence

Intro

In this episode of Radiolab’s “Border Trilogy” series, titled “Hole in the Fence,” host Lattif Nasser and reporter Tracy Hunt explore the complex issues surrounding undocumented migration and the impact it has on the US-Mexico border. They are joined by Jason De Leon, an associate professor of anthropology at the University of Michigan, who shares his fascinating journey of collecting items left behind by migrants crossing the desert and reconstructing their stories.

Main Takeaways

The Border Wall and Migrant Waves

• The Biden administration resumes construction of the southern border wall, despite previous promises not to build any more.
• Democratic mayors express concerns about waves of migrants coming to their cities and states.

Jason De Leon’s Journey

• Jason De Leon, an associate professor of anthropology, had a career crisis after finishing his dissertation on ancient stone tools.
• Fate led him to his current work on undocumented migration after reading “The Devil’s Highway,” a true story about migrants attempting to cross the Arizona desert.
• He collected over 1,000 backpacks and water bottles left behind by migrants, reconstructing their stories like an archaeologist.
• Jason’s research uncovered hidden statistics and policy decisions that challenge common perceptions of the immigration issue.

The Impact of Border Control

• In the early 90s, the number of migrant deaths in the Sonoran desert increased dramatically.
• Fence hopping used to be the common method of crossing the border, but visibility concerns led to a shift in tactics.
• Border Patrol agents’ presence and harassment at Bowie High School shed light on the problematic nature of US border control.

Bowie High School and Border Patrol

• Bowie High School, located near the US-Mexico border, experienced Border Patrol agents stopping and questioning students in the early 90s.
• Students and staff fought back against the harassment, forming a Chicano civil rights group and asserting their constitutional rights.
• The trial between Bowie High School and Border Patrol resulted in a court ruling that Border Patrol violated constitutional rights.

The Lasting Impact

• The victory of Bowie High School students in their lawsuit against Border Patrol led to the construction of fences along the border, resulting in increased deaths in the desert.
• The story reported by Radiolab sheds light on the ongoing complexities and consequences of border control policies.

Summary

Jason De Leon’s Journey and Migrant Stories

In this episode of the “Border Trilogy” series, Radiolab delves into the work of Jason De Leon, an associate professor of anthropology at the University of Michigan. Jason’s journey began with a career crisis after completing his dissertation on ancient stone tools. However, after reading “The Devil’s Highway,” a true story about migrants attempting to cross the Arizona desert, he became fascinated by the issue of undocumented migration. Jason embarked on a journey to collect items left behind by migrants, such as backpacks and water bottles, in order to reconstruct their stories and shed light on their experiences.

The Impact of Border Control and Bowie High School

The episode also explores the problematic nature of US border control policies and their impact on Bowie High School, located near the US-Mexico border. Border Patrol agents began stopping and questioning students in the early 90s, leading to a tense relationship between the agency and the school community. Students and staff fought back against the harassment, forming a Chicano civil rights group and asserting their constitutional rights. The trial between Bowie High School and Border Patrol resulted in a court ruling that Border Patrol had violated constitutional rights.

The Lasting Impact and Consequences

The victory of Bowie High School students in their lawsuit against Border Patrol had significant consequences. Fences were constructed along the border, leading to a drastic increase in deaths in the desert as migrants sought alternative routes. This episode highlights the ongoing complexities and consequences of border control policies and the need for a nuanced understanding of the immigration issue.

Conclusion

Through Jason De Leon’s journey and the experiences of Bowie High School students, Radiolab’s “Hole in the Fence” episode of the “Border Trilogy” series provides a thought-provoking exploration of undocumented migration and the impact of border control. It challenges common perceptions, sheds light on hidden statistics, and emphasizes the need for a compassionate and nuanced approach to this complex issue.