In Nogales, Arizona, Jim and Sue Chilton’s ranch sits on the edge of a controversial divide: the incomplete U.S.-Mexico border wall. For years, they’ve witnessed migrants crossing their land—some seeking asylum, others smuggling drugs in camouflage and carpet-soled slippers to evade detection. As they monitor these crossings, the Chiltons place their faith in Donald Trump’s promised crackdown to secure their property and the nation’s borders.
Living on the Frontline
The Chiltons’ ranch has become an unintentional corridor for smugglers and asylum seekers. Hidden cameras, installed by the couple during the Obama administration, capture the daily intrusions. While some migrants turn themselves in to Border Patrol, others—dubbed “gotaways”—carry backpacks laden with drugs like fentanyl. These smugglers often evade capture, fueling frustration for the ranchers.
When Trump left office, construction on a half-mile stretch of the border wall ceased, creating what Sue Chilton calls “the door.” It’s a glaring vulnerability that cartels exploit, using asylum seekers as decoys to divert Border Patrol attention while drug traffickers slip through unnoticed.
“We need to secure the border at the border,” says Jim Chilton, a fifth-generation rancher who carries weapons for self-defense. Despite their frustration, the Chiltons empathize with those fleeing hardships but remain firm in their belief that illegal crossings must stop.
The Chiltons’ support for Trump stems from his commitment to finishing the border wall and deploying military resources to combat drug trafficking. They also advocate for expanded legal immigration, emphasizing that newcomers should enter through lawful means.
While Trump’s strong stance excites many in southern Arizona, critics question the effectiveness of past and proposed measures. Nonetheless, for ranchers like the Chiltons, the hope of a secure border outweighs the debates. As Jim Chilton reflects, “The idea that people are crossing my ranch to poison others is deeply objectionable.”
The border remains a symbol of division—geographically, politically, and emotionally—but for the Chiltons, it’s a fight to protect their way of life.