Thanks to tightened legislation, border crossing in the Arizona desert has become more difficult (read: dangerous) than ever before. But under such consequences, the trekkers are getting more innovative in the methods by which they avoid detection–according to the New York Times, they’re using SMS texts to coordinate their darklit paths.
The report states that unnamed guides (or smugglers) are directing crossers from afar with binoculars and other devices, sending out warnings like “Turn left” or “Things are hot up ahead. Take cover in the bushes.”
The migrants are paying anywhere from $2,000 to $3,500 for the guides, who stay well out of range of the Border Patrol to avoid persecution. But that’s where things get interesting: the Border Patrol has asked for better SMS coverage to help them do their jobs as well.
The report states:
Border Patrol agents have complained that a lack of coverage complicates their ability to communicate. On some stretches where coverage is not a problem, the Border Patrol has urged residents to report suspicious activity via text message.
Says one crosser who was apprehended by the authorities, “If you’re without power or credit on your phone, you’re dead.”
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