Imagine a construction so extensive that it can divide two entire nations, or better yet, think of a barrier as long as the distance between Rio de Janeiro and Manaus. We are talking about the division between Mexico and the United States, which is made up of walls and fences, which has currently become one of the most controversial and debated developments of the 21st century. With a total length of approximately 3,200 kilometers, this barrier crosses deserts, mountains and rivers, serving not only as a physical barrier, but also as a divider of opinions and perspectives.
Started with the purpose of strengthening national security, this project quickly became a polarizing symbol in discussions about immigration and sovereignty. Its current extension highlights the complexity and magnitude of this work, which will continue to be expanded and debated in the coming years. In this video, you will understand how this colossal project came about, how it was built and what its expansion will be like.
The border wall between Mexico and the United States, as already mentioned, stretches for approximately 3,200 kilometers, starting in the Gulf of Mexico and ending in the Pacific Ocean. This vast structure traverses an impressive diversity of terrains and climates, from arid deserts to rugged mountains, reflecting the region's geographic complexity. The project was designed to reinforce critical areas where illegal crossings are most frequent, using advanced technologies, such as motion sensors and even aerial surveillance, to monitor and control the flow of immigration.
Each segment is meticulously designed to overcome specific terrain challenges, such as shifting sand dunes and frequently changing riverbeds . The height of the wall varies between 5. 5 and 9 meters, built with high- resistance materials, such as steel and concrete, to withstand the wear and tear of time and environmental conditions.
A curious fact is that, in certain areas, the wall is so thick that it becomes almost impossible for two people to touch each other through it, even if they extend their arms to the maximum. Additionally, the structure incorporates cutting-edge technologies to maximize its effectiveness, including surveillance cameras, heat sensors and drones for aerial patrolling. This all leads us to question what is the history and context of the emergence of this wall that separates the two nations.
The idea of a wall along the border between Mexico and the United States dates back decades, but gained political momentum and urgency in the early 21st century. The main motivation behind this construction is the need to strengthen national security and control the growing flow of illegal immigration. Therefore, the expansion of the wall was promoted as a vital solution to persistent security and immigration challenges, and was defended by many as a necessary measure to protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the United States.
Historically, the border between the two countries has been the scene of intense migratory activities, with thousands of people trying to cross in search of better life opportunities. In the 1990s, the increase in illegal activities such as drug trafficking and smuggling led to a call for stricter border control measures. It was in this context that the idea of a physical barrier gained traction, culminating in several legislative proposals and construction efforts over the years.
Over time, United States immigration policy has evolved significantly, reflecting changes in homeland security priorities and diplomatic relations with Mexico. The expansion of the wall is a direct response to these pressures, seeking to balance national security with humanitarian and economic obligations. Interestingly, the wall is not a continuous structure; it is interrupted by natural areas and national parks , which themselves pose unique safety and environmental conservation challenges.
Therefore, the construction of the wall reflects not only a pragmatic approach to border issues, but also an ongoing challenge of balancing security with the values of freedom and welcome that define the nation. Now, we can know more about how this large border barrier was built and what is its total length across the border. The construction of the wall between Mexico and the United States is a monumental undertaking, one of the greatest engineering challenges of the 21st century.
This project combines robust physical barriers and natural elements along its almost 3,200 km length, using durable materials such as steel and concrete to withstand adverse environmental conditions and the wear and tear of time. The wall begins at "El Muro en la Playa" in Tijuana, with a 9 meter high structure that extends 60 meters into the sea. From this point, the barrier advances for 226 km in a straight line through Baja California, covering deserts and urban areas, where this initial stretch is reinforced by double barriers and intensive surveillance, especially in Tijuana, an area of frequent crossing.
Moving forward, the barrier adapts to the terrain between Mexicali and Tijuana, where mountains act as natural barriers, eliminating the need for extensive walls. The barrier then continues through the Sonoran Desert, covering approximately 362 km. This stretch is characterized by arid and challenging terrain , which makes immigration difficult.
Then, leaving the arid terrain, the barrier extends along the Rio Grande, where the river's presence and uneven geography provide additional natural barriers. This section of the border, which follows the river for around 1,900 km, also reduces the need for continuous physical structures, however, some monitoring systems and specific locations are maintained where immigrants can enter the US legally. In addition to physical barriers, the wall incorporates advanced surveillance technologies, such as night vision cameras and sensors.
These technologies monitor activity along the border, helping to detect and prevent illegal crossings, as we can see in the video, images of immigrants trying to enter some points of the border. All this in search of economic opportunities, such as better jobs and higher wages, which allow them to send remittances to their families. Additionally, the US offers better living conditions, including high-quality infrastructure, education and health services, as well as security and stability, which attract those fleeing violence and political instability in their home countries.
Other immigrants also seek to reunite with family members already residing in the US, take advantage of educational opportunities at renowned institutions, or seek freedom and human rights in a country that values individual freedoms. Therefore, the intention to expand the wall faces significant social and legal resistance. Critics argue that the structure impacts the environment and represents a symbolic division between nations, exacerbating political and social tensions.
Ultimately, the wall is more than a physical barrier; it is a reflection of the complex political and social dynamics that shape relations between Mexico and the United States, symbolizing the ongoing challenge of balancing security with humanity. But what do you think about this? Enjoy and leave your opinion here in the comments!
Today, there are several border walls spread around the world with similar objectives to the wall between Mexico and the United States. One of them is the Wall of Ceuta and Melilla, located in the Spanish enclaves in Africa, which total around 8 kilometers in length and were built to prevent the immigration of Africans to Europe. Another example is the Cyprus Wall, known as the "green line", which was built in 1974 after the Turkish invasion and currently separates the Republic of Cyprus from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus along approximately 180 kilometers.
In addition to these, we have the Wall of Israel, also known as the separation barrier, which divides Israeli territory from Palestinian territories. Its construction began in 2002, and extends for around 700 kilometers, and its main objective is to prevent terrorist attacks coming from the Palestinian side. The Wall of Israel is a modern structure that uses advanced technology for surveillance and border control, similar to the Wall between the United States and Mexico, both are highly politicized and symbolize divisions not only geographical, but also cultural and ideological.
While Israel's wall focuses primarily on immediate national security issues, the US wall addresses immigration and security issues, reflecting the complex social and political dynamics of each region. The expansion of the wall between Mexico and the United States generates significant impacts, affecting both people and nations. In terms of security, the wall intensified border control, reducing certain forms of illegal immigration.
However, this framework raises controversies over human rights and the treatment of migrants. Communities along the border experience diverse changes: some areas report improvements in security and economics, while others face land divisions and disruptions to wildlife migration routes, harming local ecosystems. In addition to the practical aspects, the wall symbolizes political and social divisions in an interconnected world, reminding us of the challenges in the search for security and humanity.
In conclusion, the wall is more than a physical barrier; it is a reflection of contemporary challenges that require innovative solutions. True security lies not just in barriers, but in building bridges of understanding and respect, promoting collaboration and empathy on a global stage.
