Operation Gatekeeper

Re: “Activists in Tijuana Mourn Dead Migrants,” Nov. 3:

Yes, the message of the mile of crosses that went up along the border fence on Mexico’s Day of the Dead is that the death of each migrant should weigh on the consciences of both countries. But Operation Gatekeeper’s strategy of pushing the migrant traffic into the mountains and deserts is the proximate cause of the 340 deaths [since 1994]. And the big jump this year--up 47% deaths from last year--is attributable to the latest and deadliest phase of Gatekeeper. The goal has been to push migrants deeper into the Imperial County desert, where the shortest route involves a 10-mile trek.

This June the Border Patrol got around to a rescue plan. The results have not been heartening: 89 migrants have died in the four months since Operation Lifesaver was launched. That is over two-thirds of the 131 deaths along this stretch of the border so far this year.

There is no chance of sealing the border with Mexico. And there is no nice way of controlling the flow. But we should not do it by funneling migrants into such punishing corridors. Meanwhile, we are in no hurry to crack down on employers who want cheap, throw-away workers. In San Diego and Imperial counties, it has been years since we prosecuted a single employer who uses undocumented labor.

CLAUDIA E. SMITH

Border Project Director

California Rural Legal

Assistance Foundation, Oceanside

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Your article notes that 131 illegal immigrants have died so far this year along California’s border with Mexico. I assume this figure does not include those in Arizona and Texas.

I wonder how many people died in any one year while attempting to cross the Berlin Wall? I am reminded of President Reagan’s challenge: “Tear down that wall, Mr. Gorbachev.”

DONALD McEACHREN

Santa Monica