Agent Jose? Gil, part of the Border Patrol situated in SANTA TERESA, New Mexico, understood the fragility of the situation he was in, just hours before a shocking event unfolded. A sensor monitored along the border region had been activated, suggesting a potential illegal crossing was about to occur. Agent Gil found himself up against a smuggler, commonly termed ‘Coyote’, through the gaps within the border barrier while migrants concealed themselves amidst the Mexican sand dunes. The patrol agent addressed the ‘Coyote’, expressing his concerns, ‘Your actions may lead to fatalities. We have been discovering bodies here.’
This hazardous stretch of the border demarcating West Texas from southern New Mexico has seen a shocking accelerated rate in fatalities of migrants for two consecutive years. The impact of such loss is extremely devastating for the migrant families, especially when the deceased is an economic pillar for them. Border patrol agents, on the other hand, not only endure the distress associated with finding deceased migrants but also grapple with the guilt of being unable to rescue those in distress.
In the recent past, an alarming increase in deaths of language-seekers has been detected. While the primary obligation of the Border Patrol is enforcing laws, the position presents a distinctive set of challenges. The rules that the agents are expected to uphold are in a constant state of flux, counterbalancing different political pressures and situations. The working environment is perilous in nature, with the rugged terrains of the borderlands, long hours of solitude, and extreme weather conditions, making the job risky and isolating.
Agent Gil, a native of El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juárez in Mexico, is profoundly familiarized with the bleak desert environment. Many border agents share a similar bi-national cultural background, like Gil, who served in the U.S. Army before stepping into the Border Patrol Services. Upon confronting the coyote, he cautioned against the perilous crossing, then watched diligently among the sweeping dunes for the coyote to make another crossing attempt.
Numerous factors contribute to the mental health crisis amongst Border Patrol Agents. These include evolving border control policies, national-level politics influencing immigration, dealing with distressed families and children, and the significant surge in migrant fatalities. Another major concern is the escalating risks faced by migrants in the desert zones around El Paso, which is reflected by the frequency of rescue operations this year.
On reflecting over the current year, Agent Gil expressed, ‘It has been a tragically catastrophic period as we have encountered a significant number of fatalities. Many are discovered in severe health crises, stranded and bewildered. It inflicts a serious toll on us, the agents, as this is not an ordeal we are accustomed to.’ Regarding this issue, advocates for migrant rights argue that stringent U.S. policies tend to push migrants into reliant on smugglers, thereby elevating their vulnerability to life-threatening risks.
Chief Patrol Agent Scott Good underscores the importance of mental well-being and ‘resiliency’ within the agency. Whenever an agent encounters a deceased individual or witnesses a fatality, access to professional mental health support is granted. This has become a crucial part of their routine, recognising the psychological toll such incidents levy on the agents.
Agent Steven Figueroa, another border patrol officer, had a heartrending experience during a rescue mission involving a group of migrants in the Rio Grande. Despite his best efforts, he was unable to save a woman from drowning. These episodes continue to weigh heavily on the agents, alongside the fatalities they encounter.
Agents are routinely made aware of the resources accessible to them to cope with these distressing situations. Additionally, their colleagues also maintain a check on their well-being. The job of patrolling the border takes a great toll on these agents as they are perpetually exposed to the dire outcomes of the smugglers’ actions.
Unsuccessful rescue attempts often hit them hard, as they are left grappling with feelings of guilt and failure. Such experiences are particularly challenging when these agents are reminded of their own families and loved ones.