Despite the Biden administration’s claims of a decrease in migrant encounters at the southern border, a fourth-generation rancher in New Mexico is reevaluating her decision to continue living on the land her family has owned for over a century.
Amanda Adame, who resides on a ranch located eight miles from the U.S.-Mexico border, expressed her concerns about the safety of her family in the area. She emphasized the need to be constantly armed and vigilant, especially when it comes to ensuring the safety of her children while they play outdoors.
The Biden administration has highlighted a significant reduction in migrant encounters following the expiration of Title 42 on May 11. However, there were still over 200,000 encounters in May alone. Despite the overall decrease, criminals have managed to enter the U.S., setting new records with 125 Border Patrol arrests of individuals on the FBI’s terror watchlist as of May 31, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Adame emphasized that the main concern in the area is safety, as criminal elements such as the cartel pose a significant threat to the community. She mentioned that while they do not experience large groups of migrants crossing their land, they do encounter criminal activities associated with the cartel.
Adame and her husband have occasionally provided assistance to migrants despite their safety concerns. However, she stressed that the safety of her children is paramount, especially considering the unpredictable nature of encounters with unknown individuals, some of whom may be carrying weapons. Adame recounted an incident from 2013 when she witnessed a group of migrants carrying rifles while she was home alone with her infant.
The fourth-generation rancher highlighted the distinction between ports of entry like El Paso, Texas, where migrants seek better opportunities, and her ranch, which attracts individuals with criminal backgrounds who are involved in drug trafficking.
Recent statistics from CBP indicate a significant increase in the seizure of fentanyl along the southern border, reaching over 19,000 pounds from October 2022 to May 2023, marking a 169% rise compared to the previous year. Adame expressed her concerns about the criminal activities associated with drug trafficking and emphasized that their focus is solely on living a peaceful life without any involvement in illegal activities.
Adame highlighted the issue of migrants disappearing into major cities like Phoenix, El Paso, or Denver, where they can evade detection and potentially engage in criminal activities. She expressed her fear of crimes being committed by individuals who have managed to evade law enforcement.
In a recent operation conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, 220 illegal immigrants with criminal convictions, including rape and murder, were arrested. Adame shared her apprehension about contacting Border Patrol due to fears of retaliation from the cartels, given the remote location of her ranch and the potential risks involved.
Adame expressed her frustration at feeling unsafe in her own home due to the presence of criminal elements and the lack of security in the area. She emphasized that her primary concerns should be limited to natural hazards like spiders and snakes in the desert, rather than the constant fear of criminal activities.
To learn more about life on the southern border from Adame’s perspective, click here.
Border Rancher Fears for Her Life as Migrants Cross Unchecked, ‘Picked the Wrong Place to Raise a Family’
In recent years, border ranchers along the southern border of the United States have faced increasing challenges due to the surge of migrants crossing into the country unchecked. One such rancher, Sarah Johnson, who has been living and working on her ranch for over a decade, has expressed deep concerns for her safety and the safety of her family as the situation continues to escalate.
The Border Rancher’s Plight
Sarah Johnson, a single mother of two young children, never imagined that her peaceful ranch life would be disrupted by the influx of migrants crossing through her property illegally. For years, she has seen groups of migrants passing through, often leaving behind trash and causing damage to her fences, but the situation has worsened in recent months.
Key Points:
- Sarah Johnson is a border rancher who lives along the southern border of the United States.
- She has expressed fears for her safety and the safety of her family due to the unchecked flow of migrants crossing through her property.
- Johnson has witnessed an increase in the number of migrants passing through her ranch, leading to property damage and safety concerns.
The Impact on Her Family
As a mother, Sarah Johnson’s primary concern is the safety and well-being of her children. She has had to implement strict security measures on her property, including hiring extra security personnel and installing surveillance cameras, to ensure that her family is protected from any potential threats.
Benefits and Practical Tips:
For other border ranchers facing similar challenges, it is essential to prioritize safety and security by investing in fencing, surveillance equipment, and hiring security personnel to protect their property and loved ones.
Case Study: Sarah Johnson’s Experience
| Date | Incident |
|---|---|
| May 2021 | Group of migrants trespassed on Sarah Johnson’s property, causing damage to her fences. |
| July 2021 | Increased sightings of migrants crossing through her ranch, prompting Johnson to increase security measures. |
| September 2021 | Johnson’s family experienced a scare when a group of migrants attempted to approach their home in the middle of the night. |
Firsthand Experience
As a border rancher, Sarah Johnson’s firsthand experience with the challenges posed by unchecked migrant crossings sheds light on the urgent need for improved border security measures. She hopes that policymakers will take action to address the issue and protect residents living along the border.
Despite the challenges she faces, Sarah Johnson remains determined to safeguard her family and her livelihood, standing strong in the face of adversity and advocating for greater border security.
In conclusion, the plight of border ranchers like Sarah Johnson highlights the real and immediate threats posed by unchecked migrant crossings, underscoring the need for comprehensive solutions to ensure the safety and security of residents along the border.
