For many Americans, the discourse surrounding immigration is often abstract, fueled by political headlines and distant news reports. But for those on the front lines, and for the courageous individuals making the perilous journey north, reality is one of desperate need, extraordinary danger, profound human resilience, and a deep faith.

I recently completed an immersion trip to the U.S.-Mexico border region—an experience that forced me to reconcile my own family's deep roots in the Southwest with the current crisis. My ancestors lived on this land for centuries, long before the border was a line of division. Crossing it was once simply a mater of visitng family; now, it is a matter of life and death.

The Journey Begins with Desperation

Every story I heard during my trip—from refugees, asylum seekers, and aid workers—begins with a core, undeniable truth: the journey to the U.S. is not a choice made lightly. It is a desperate measure undertaken by human beings under the threat of violence, torture, and death in their home countries. People are not leaving their homes for convenience; they are fleeing for survival. The trek itself is a terrifying gauntlet. Individuals and families often walk across one or more countries with little food, virtually no belongings, and no money. They are immediately vulnerable to a horrifying range of threats:

Human Predators: They face gangs, cartels, violent officials, and corrupt authorities who see vulnerable travelers as easy targets for assault, robbery, rape, and torture.

Natural Hazards: They must navigate the brutal, unforgiving dangers of jungles, deserts, treacherous rivers, and extreme weather.

Tragedy: Along the way, they witness the deaths of those they travel with or come upon the bodies of those who perished before them.

It is only the fierce determination to save their own lives and the lives of their families that pushes them onward, through unimaginable hardship.

A Body of Resilience and Memory

My trip began on Día de Los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, where I joined a march in El Paso. We marched in remembrance of those who have died attemptng to cross the border and those who died in the US detenton facilities. It was a powerful act of reclaiming identity and visibility.The unilateral sound of “Verme. Estoy aqui. Estamos aqui.” (See me. I am here. We are here.) filled the late afternoon.

This spirit of resilience is palpable in the face of immense cruelty. “It’s interesting to note that the most kind and courageous souls you meet in life tend to be those who’ve faced the most cruelty and conflict,” (anonymous). Good Samaritans Doing Miracle Work Amidst the fear and desperation, a compassionate network of organizations—both local and national, faith-based and secular—is working miracles. Their missions are vital but straightforward: providing a haven, food, clothing, medical help, and a chance to rest for refugees and asylum seekers.

These groups embody the parable of the Good Samaritan, demonstrating that providing loving, compassionate community is essen;al for those who have traveled so far. This work is made even more complicated by recent administrative funding cuts, which have forced these organizations to rely almost en;rely on donations to save lives.

A Responsibility to Tell the Story

“When you leave here, you have a responsibility to tell our stories. Our voices are silenced with threats. Please tell our stories.” Pastora “The closer one gets to the border, the less poli;cal the issue becomes,” is the observation one volunteer gave. It stops being about policy debates and starts being about humanity. It is an encounter with people whose determination to survive, despite facing unspeakable dangers, is a testament to the strength of their human spirit.

For those of us far from the border, our responsibility is clear: to listen, to understand the grave threats driving this crisis, and to support the organizations providing essential aid. These are not abstract statistics; these are human beings fighting for a chance at a better life. We must choose to use our power not to inflict pain, but to protect them.

How Can You Help?

Seek Information: Learn about the organizations working directly with asylum seekers and immigrants in border cities.

Support Aid Groups: Organizations need dona;ons to provide food, shelter, and medical care.

Share Their Voices: Tell others the stories of the humanity and danger at the border, reminding people that this is a humanitarian crisis.

Bear witness: See for yourself.