Radiolab
Border Trilogy Part 2: Hold the Line
Oct 20, 2023
Silvestre Reyes, former Border Patrol chief in El Paso, shares insights on the controversial Operation Hold the Line, a significant policy shift in border enforcement. Jason De León discusses the grim reality of migrant deaths in the Sonoran Desert, tracing the rise in fatalities to harsh border policies. Doris Meissner reflects on the political climate influencing immigration policies during the Clinton administration. Together, they uncover the human stories behind border enforcement, ethical dilemmas, and the urgent need for reform.
53:12
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The Hold the Line strategy implemented by Border Patrol in El Paso in the 1990s pushed migrants into treacherous desert terrain, leading to a significant increase in migrant deaths.
- The US government was aware of the increase in migrant deaths as a consequence of border enforcement policies, yet did not make substantial changes to prevent them, raising questions about responsibility and the moral implications of using nature as a deterrent.
Deep dives
The Hold the Line Strategy and its Consequences
The podcast episode delves into the Hold the Line strategy, implemented by Border Patrol Chief Cervestre Reyes in El Paso in the 1990s. The strategy aimed to push migrants away from urban areas and into treacherous desert terrain as a deterrent. While it reduced crime and garnered local support, it also led to a significant increase in migrant deaths. The episode raises questions about responsibility and the moral implications of using nature to do the work of border enforcement. It highlights how the US government was aware of the potential consequences but did not make substantial changes to prevent deaths in the desert.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
