Throughline Line. Fence. Wall.
16 snips
Sep 11, 2025 
In this insightful discussion, historian Rachel St. John reveals the evolution of the U.S.-Mexico border from mere lines in the sand to formidable walls. Former Congressman Silvestre Reyes brings a personal perspective on the real-life implications of this border infrastructure. They explore the historical transformations, political narratives, and the human experiences underpinning immigration policies. The conversation also delves into the complexities of border communities and the economics intertwined with immigration enforcement, painting a vivid picture of life at the border.
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House With A Wall Backyard
- Eduardo Contreras shows a backyard where a 20-foot border wall sits inside U.S. territory, not on the actual border.
- He describes gaps and openings in the fence and how local life and infrastructure adapt around it.
Saloon Straddling Two Countries
- John Brickwood built a saloon deliberately straddling Ambos Nogales so he could sell goods with different duties on each side.
- The boundary marker began as a simple pile of rocks and later was replaced by a visible obelisk on the saloon porch.
Fences As Demarcation, Not Exclusion
- Violence and instability during the Mexican Revolution and World War I pushed both nations to increase border policing and physical barriers.
- Early fences were framed as cooperative demarcation, not as exclusionary walls focused on keeping people out.
