Border Crossing Concepts and Terminology

Questions and Answers

What is 'Desolation'? What does the author mean when he uses this term?

Desolation refers to emptiness, destruction, and loneliness.

Who is Melchior Diaz? Why is he significant to this story?

Melchior Diaz is the leader of a Spaniard patrol, significant because his story illustrates the dangers faced in the desert, and his death marks the beginning of many deaths on the Devil's Highway.

What are different terms used by the Border Patrol for illegal immigrants? Why does the author give us this information?

The terms include 'Bodies', 'wets', and 'tonks'. The author provides this information to highlight the dehumanization of illegal immigrants by border patrols.

According to the author, why are so many walkers choosing to cross the border through the Devil's Highway instead of somewhere else?

They choose to cross through the Devil's Highway because it is the least guarded area of the border. Signup and view all the answers

According to the author, how do others view the Border Patrol?

They view them as 'beat cops', mock them, and do not respect them. Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'signcutter' and what does it mean to 'cut sign'?

A 'signcutter' is a tracker, and to 'cut sign' means to track walkers using available evidence. Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'drag'? Explain how they are used by the Border Patrol.

A 'drag' is a smooth surface of sand made by tires dragged by a truck, used by Border Patrol to trace the movement of walkers. Signup and view all the answers

How many men did Mike F. and the Border Patrol find? How many alive? How many dead? Why is this significant?

Mike F. and the Border Patrol found 26 men: 12 alive and 14 dead. This is significant because it represents the largest death event in the history of the border. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it difficult to return the bodies of dead walkers to their home countries?

It is difficult because many dead walkers come from places without phones or homes lacking addresses. Signup and view all the answers

How does the author characterize or describe the group of men? Where are they from in Mexico, and why is this detail significant?

The author describes them as 'Oaxacas' (Indians) and portrays them as aliens, significant because they come from Veracruz, emphasizing their identities as small-plot farmers rather than stereotypes. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Vocabulary and Concepts

Desolation: Refers to emptiness, destruction, and loneliness; highlights the stark realities faced by individuals in the context of the desert.
Melchior Diaz: Leader of a Spaniard patrol; his story exemplifies the dangers of crossing the desert. His death signifies the onset of numerous fatalities along the Devil's Highway.

Border Patrol Terminology

Terms such as "Bodies," "wets," and "tonks" are used by Border Patrol to reference illegal immigrants. This dehumanizing language illustrates the perspective held by Border Patrol agents.

Crossing the Border

Walkers increasingly choose the Devil's Highway due to it being the least guarded area of the border, representing a perilous yet strategic choice for illegal crossing.

Perception of Border Patrol

Various groups—civilians, other agencies, and politicians—view Border Patrol agents as "beat cops," often mocking their role and effectiveness.

Signcutting and Tracking

A "signcutter" is essentially a tracker who follows trails left by individuals. "Cutting sign" involves using available evidence to locate and constrain walkers.

Use of "Drags"

"Drags" refer to smooth surfaces in the sand created by trucks; Border Patrol utilizes these to trace the movements of individuals by analyzing footprints.

Discovery of Walkers

A significant event occurred when Mike F. and the Border Patrol discovered 26 men, 12 alive and 14 dead. This tragic incident marks the highest death toll recorded at the border.

Challenges of Body Recovery

Returning deceased walkers to their home countries is complicated due to the lack of communication and proper addresses in their places of origin.

Characterization of Walkers

Described as "Oaxacas," these men hail from Veracruz, contrasting with the U.S. portrayal of Mexican immigrants as inherently dangerous. They are primarily small-plot farmers or coffee growers, countering stereotypes of criminals or drug traffickers.

Description

Explore key vocabulary and concepts related to border crossing, focusing on terms used by Border Patrol and the dangers faced by those traversing the desert. This quiz delves into the harsh realities of the Devil's Highway and the perspectives surrounding the border enforcement agencies.