In October 1994, the Immigration and Naturalization Service launched Operation Gatekeeper -- a strategy of militarization that has moved people away from popular suburban migration routes in the San Diego area and forced them into harsh and desolate climates. People who migrate to California must now attempt their crossing through the Imperial Desert or over the Mountains north of Tecate. Despite the hazards of extreme temperatures in the desert and mountains, people have not been deterred from trying to enter the United States to find work. More than 624 people have died crossing the Mexico/California border since Operation Gatekeeper began.

US Corporations and trade agreements such as NAFTA and the proposed FTAA are spurring much of this migration. One of the reasons corporations move their factories to Mexico is to exploit Mexican workers by paying five dollar a DAY wages. Mexican citizens know that if they can make it across the border they could easily earn five dollars an HOUR. Until the people of Mexico have an economic ability that enables them to live comfortably at home, Mexican citizens will continue to migrate any way they can -- even at risk to their lives. (David Hanks/Global Exchange - Saturday 21 April 2001)

David:

Some beautiful shots, especially of the border fence going into the ocean. Have you ever been on the other (US) side at the beach? The whole area is supposedly a wildlife preserve--quite disingenuous--it's nothing but an excuse to maintain a vast expanse of undeveloped land for easier patrolling. And I'm sure the birds that are being "preserved" just love the constant helicopter flyovers. What's more, there is a plaque on the US side that says words to the effect of "this border stands as a symbol of friendship between the US and Mexico." I believe that true friendship between the peoples of the US and Mexico exists DESPITE the border.

Great work,

Tom Gorman

I went to the TJ to take part in the festivity after the Anti-FTAA march and I saw the same exact sunset that you have taken here. It was breathetaking and beautiful, but there was also an overwhelming sense of sadness. The stretch of wretched fence that divides the poor and rich goes even further to divide the purity of ocean water: blood of our mother Earth. As I looked around and saw dozens of people from all walks of life gathered with me to witness the sunset I thought, "No matter how different we are, we all experiencel the same sunset." Why, then, do we need to be divded and bound by the barbed wire and concrete walls that separate us from one another? We are afterall children of Earth.There are connection between strangers that are more fundamental yet indescribable. But admit the fact that there is something we all share. I hope in the future my sons and daughters will recognize that there are things worth fighting for besides fight for financial and cultural hegemony. They can see the same sunset as I have seen, and realize that oppressions of others are oppression of themselves. But freedom of others are freedom of cultural and emotional togetherness.

Sorry about my yapping. The picture just conjured up so many things, I just thought I write something about it.