In southern Arizona, where the U.S.-Mexico border cuts through Jim and Sue Chilton’s ranch, the fate of migrants crossing is a daily reality. For years, they’ve watched as undocumented individuals have trekked across their land, some seeking asylum, others involved in illegal activities. Now, the Chiltons are waiting for a change—one they believe could come with the return of Donald Trump to the White House.
A Border Wall Left Unfinished
When President Biden took office, the construction of the border wall, which had advanced only five miles on the Chiltons’ ranch, came to a halt. The couple calls the gap left in the wall the “door,” one that cartels and migrants alike have used to cross into the U.S. without being stopped. While some migrants turn themselves in to Border Patrol, others slip through, often carrying illegal drugs like fentanyl or cocaine in backpacks.
In the past, the Chiltons, with the help of hidden cameras, have captured the movements of these “gotaways” — individuals who make it across the border undetected. But Jim and Sue believe things are about to change. Many in southern Arizona, including ranchers and Border Patrol agents, hope that a second Trump presidency will bring a renewed crackdown on illegal crossings, including the completion of the border wall and the use of active-duty troops.
The Chiltons are no strangers to danger. Their land, located in a rugged and sparsely populated area, has seen an increase in criminal activity. Despite recognizing the struggles of some asylum seekers, the couple is particularly disturbed by the smugglers bringing drugs into the country. For them, finishing the border wall is not just a matter of national security—it’s a question of protecting their land and community.
While Trump’s policies are still a point of contention, many, like the Chiltons, see a change as necessary to secure the border once and for all.
