VIDEO Why Walls Won't Secure The U.S.–Mexico Border | AJ+

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Why Walls Won't Secure The U.S.–Mexico Border | AJ+ In a thought-provoking video from AJ+, the challenges surrounding the effectiveness of border walls at the U.S.–Mexico border are examined. The video highlights the complexities of immigration and security, illustrating that simply erecting barriers is far from a comprehensive solution.

Overview and Key Points​

The U.S.–Mexico border is not just a line on a map; it's a dynamic space that includes deserts, cities, and rivers, totaling nearly 2,000 miles. Despite significant investments in border security—billions of dollars each year—the reality of border crossings is complex. The narrative often presented is that a wall can secure the border, but the video argues otherwise. Key aspects discussed include:

• Existing Barriers: There are already various forms of barriers, including fences, concrete walls, and surveillance methods like drones and gunboats. However, these measures often fail to address the root causes of migration and cross-border activities.
• Drug Trafficking: A shocking statistic is that 93% of the cocaine consumed in the U.S. comes through this border. The methods of smuggling vary widely, utilizing everything from tunnels to lightweight aircraft and even unconventional methods like shooting drugs over the border.
• Firearms Trafficking: Conversely, the U.S. also sees a significant flow of firearms into Mexico, with hundreds of thousands of firearms crossing the border annually, facilitating crime and violence.
• Human Migration: The challenges faced by migrants are highlighted, including the physical dangers of crossing the border, the role of "coyotes" (smugglers), and the increase in fatalities among those attempting to traverse the harsh terrain.
• Border Patrol Resourcing: The video notes that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency has become the largest federal enforcement agency, equipped with substantial resources. Despite this militarization, the efficacy of these measures in ensuring safety is called into question.
• Wall Limitations: Current border wall coverage extends only 653 miles, which has cost around $7 billion. To cover the entire border would require an estimated $25 billion, not taking labor into account. Procedural and political hurdles, including treaties and private land ownership, further complicate the potential for a wall.

  Conclusion​

  The video concludes with a critical perspective on the belief that increased physical barriers can lead to enhanced safety. Rather than merely reacting with walls and guns, the discourse suggests a need for a more nuanced approach that considers the socio-economic factors driving migration and cross-border activity.

  Community Engagement​

  What are your thoughts on the current approach to border security? Have you encountered any information or personal stories that might provide further insight into this issue? Join the discussion below! For those interested in exploring more about immigration policies or security measures, check out related threads or tutorials on our forum.