Heritage Foundation: On Patrol
Friday , August 10, 2007

By Ed Feulner

SMUGGLERS CANYON, Calif. —

This is the southwestern-most point of the continental United States. Several Mexican families swim in the Pacific Ocean on one side of the border fence, while a group of Americans walk the beach on the other side. I've come to see what our border agents face every day.

A 30-year-old fence runs east through the populated area and over several hills and valleys in the distance. The border road on the American side is basically a dirt path. On the Mexican side, though, there's a four-lane highway. The northern path is crossed by trails where dozens have come across illegally in recent months.

During my visit, a unit of the California National Guard was working with bulldozers and heavy equipment, clearing a path for a new fence to be built on the American side. Most of the action here happens after dark. Mid-day, however, we heard the car radio blast “ladder upâ€