12/8/22
By Sue-Ann Devito
Yesterday we drove two hours to Boquillas Crossing in Big Bend National Park that sits within 801,163 acres of protected land
The feel of this post is different-it looks like we are on a tourist adventure. That’s because this port of entry is different.
This is a port B entry not normally manned with CBP.
Although, aware our group was coming, there was a CBP officer on-site for our crossing.
The park ranger greeted us and went over instructions to cross and what was needed on return. We were advised that the port closed at 4. She shared that while they do not see asylum seekers present at the port, there are those that enter the park in different places.
We walked to the bank of the Rio Grande to get into a rowboat- all under the watchful eye of an overhead drone. The water seemed low enough that you could wade across easily. These were the two options to get across.
Once on the other side we walked into the small town of Boquillas-population of 300 and paid $3 for entry.
We spoke to a local resident. They do not see asylum seekers come through. However, they do sometimes see footprints in the morning.
Looking around at the spectacular views, it’s hard to imagine how anyone could safely traverse the region on foot.
The views are truly breathtaking. There are mountains on both sides of the border-natural barriers. How could anyone want to put up a border wall? Have the legislators pushing for a coast to coast wall this actually seen this remote area?
The first sunny day, it got hot as we were walking around. In a short time we became thirsty. We have the luxury of having water with us. How do the asylum seekers manage these conditions with no supplies?
When we returned to the US we were greeted by park rangers. They checked our passports and video-called someone from CBP that did a remote screening with us. This was done in small groups at a time.
The day was beautiful, the people were friendly. The CBP officer laughed with us and gave us tips for restaurants in the area we were going to.
So different than our previous experiences.
This day was a timely respite in our journey- aware that asylum seekers do not have any respite.