This episode is an analysis examining immigration policy debates in the U.S., with a focus on the dynamics along the Southern border. It traces the history of border control buildups since the 1990s and their consequences. The essay explores economic and security factors driving migration from Mexico and Central America, and delves into the roles Border Patrol and ICE play in implementing policies on the ground. Different perspectives on immigration reform are also assessed, considering consequences for border communities as well as national interests.