The Border Fence
First, please understand that the border fence is not the border between our two countries, Mexico and the United States. The border is the center of the Rio Grand River in these parts. Therefore, the “border fence” could not have been built on the border.
These pictures were taken through the window of a moving bus so they are far from perfect. But good enough to give you an idea of the border fence which we all helped pay for.
The large picture is a view of the “north” side. The other picture is the same fence from the “south” side.
Where was it built?
In this area, there is a flood protection levee to protect farmland, homes, and towns from flooding by the Rio Grand. The border fence is built on the levee.
The levee varies in its distance from the river. Where these pictures were taken, it was about a mile from the river. In other areas near us, it is only a hundred feet or so from the river bank.
There are places where the river is only three feet below the bank. More commonly it is about ten feet below the bank. And the river is very narrow in places. Near these pictures, it wasn’t much wider than the distance between stores on Lime Springs’ main street. You can imagine, then, that a lot of water coming from the West could easily flood the area.
It has, thus the levees.
What’s the Border Fence Made Of?
Looking along the “south” side of the fence
This is one sturdy fence, to be sure!
The vertical uprights are square steel tubes and appear to be at least 6″ X 6″. For some reason, the fence seems to have three different heights. You can see two heights in the picture. The tall section is about 15 to 20 feet high! The lower section, perhaps 8 feet.
The base is set in concrete. It’s one sturdy fence!
How long is it?
Good question! There are sections down here, each of which is perhaps one-quarter mile to one mile long. Between sections there is no fence! And within the fence, there are gates—wide gates. Gates which have never been closed! At least that’s what a local TV station reported last year.
Opinions
I tried to state facts above; now for opinions!
First, I do believe the border should be secured. Why shouldn’t it????
Second, it is/will be ineffective and super expensive. It was a stupid idea, at least as it is implemented around here.
If you wish, you can read some other opinions in this last-year’s article in Forbes: The Border Fence.
Or this one, from NPR last August: …Divisive Border Wall Issue.