US 'Isn't Equipped to Handle' Immigration at Border, Says Former Agent
Story by Meredith Wolf Schizer •
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Some people know Vince Vargas as Gilly Lopez, a war veteran in FX's series Mayans M.C. In fact, Vargas is a real-life veteran. He served in the U.S. Army 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment and on the U.S. Border Patrol and was able to "leverage" his "past experiences in the military and border control" to flesh out his character. His new book, Borderline: Defending the Homefront (St. Martin's) reveals inside details about the challenges he faced as a Border Patrol Agent, including the affecting story of trying—and failing—to rescue an immigrant who drowned crossing the Rio Grande. As policy surrounding immigration and the U.S.-Mexico border continues to be a major source of contention, and in light of the infiltration of Israel's southern border with Gaza in October, Vargas talks with Newsweek about his takeaways as a border agent and what he thinks is the best way to handle border security in the U.S. In this Q&A, Vargas talks about his grandmother, who came to this country as in illegal immigrant, government policy, lessons we can learn from Israel and more.
Q_You were a U.S. border patrol agent. How did your experiences affect your views of border patrol policy and its priorities?
A _ Border Patrol agents have a diverse range of responsibilities beyond enforcement, focusing on the safety and well-being of individuals encountered at the border. My firsthand experience only strengthened my belief in the border patrol's vital role. They handle complex tasks, including immigration enforcement, drug interdiction and humanitarian concerns, all while navigating diverse landscapes. Their dedication and adaptability are impressive, making them a crucial agency for national security and well-being.
Found in Eagle Pass, Texas. An illegal immigrant who was separated from her group in the summer left these sticks calling out for "help" before dying of dehydration. Courtesy of Vince Vargas
Found in Eagle Pass, Texas. An illegal immigrant who was separated from her group in the summer left these sticks calling out for "help" before dying of dehydration. Courtesy of Vince Vargas
Your grandmother was an illegal immigrant. Is that complicated for you?
Individuals who arrive here through unconventional means have the opportunity to legally adjust their status, a path chosen by millions of people, much like my grandparents. It's crucial to acknowledge that while our family's legacy shapes who we are, it doesn't exclusively define us.
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