World War II-Style Barriers Placed Along Border in New Mexico
Federal officials are placing metal barriers along one of the busiest migrant smuggling corridors on the U.S.-Mexico border.
About a quarter-mile row of Normandy-style steel “Xs” were visible Wednesday on the western slope of Mount Cristo Rey in Sunland Park.
The area for the past several years has been a choice crossing location for migrants and smugglers because of its steep terrain, lack of roads and the absence of border wall. It also has been the site of many medical transports involving migrants who lose their footing on 1- to 2-foot dirt trails and end up at the bottom of ravines. Assaults on Border Patrol agents also have been reported there.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesman Landon Hutchens said the “temporary” barriers are being placed to discourage or slow foot and any other types of traffic.
Similar barriers were replaced west of nearby Santa Teresa several years ago when a 30-foot-tall steel bollard wall was installed. The steel Xs typically are placed on the border to prevent vehicles from coming over from Mexico. (Read more from “World War II-Style Barriers Placed Along Border in New Mexico” HERE)
