The Center for Immigration Studies released their latest mini-documentary “Hidden Cameras on the Arizona Border 2: Drugs, Guns and 850 Illegal Aliens,” on July 15 at the National Press Club to an audience which was standing room only. The message of the Center’s studies was made clear by Rep. Rob Bishop (R-UT) who began his dialogue by very simply stating that “[Illegal aliens are] not simply coming to milk cows and pick tomatoes,” but also commit serious and violent crimes. Unfortunately, this harsh and significant message is muddied by the film’s unnecessary view of the environmental impact of illegal immigration.
The 10 minute documentary shows hidden camera footage of the Arizona border on three different trails, which have been created by illegal immigration on the federal lands bordering Mexico. Included is shocking video of hundreds of individuals crossing the border; including those carrying weapons and what could be up to 80lbs of drugs on their backs. Also included are confusing, repetitive and un-impactful mentions of the illegal aliens’ effect on the environment.
The film, which if edited properly could elicit fear with the actual footage of drug cartels in action, loses its muster as the producers take a significant amount of time to show that the immigrants stop to eat snacks and rest on their journey. Even worse, it’s only implied that the trash from these snacks will end up on the ground. At 3:33, the narrator takes the time to discuss the impact of one illegal alien tossing his cap to the side of the trail, to which my gut reaction was very simply, who cares? Yes, illegal aliens cause environmental issues by throwing litter on the ground on their way into the United States, but once they get here (and not arguing their positive economic impact on our groceries), do they not become a serious financial drain and tax burden? The film makes extremely valid points with footage of drug activity, but you are left shaking your head when time is taken to discuss the environment.
In another segment of the film, it is mentioned that predatory animals are beginning to pick up the scent of humans along these trails, which were frequented by illegal aliens and not visited by border patrol throughout the 39 day filming. After reviewing the facts that the Obama administration has not kept up border patrols as much as Bush had, I was led to conclude that this “negative” environmental impact would actually better protect us than our nation’s current standards.
Overall, this film puts frightening images to what we already know about our borders. You get to see the criminal activity that is crossing the border of Mexico into Arizona. The documentary also apparently shows that the potential of 8 lbs. of trash, including but not limited to human waste, come from each of the illegal immigrants, even though I have seen more “legal” people litter outside the window of where I am writing this than in the documentary’s entirety.
Tim Young was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. He
has served his time in government working for multiple Senators on the
Hill as well as former Governor Ehrlich of MD., the Social Security
Administration, and NIH. A spokesperson, manager and strategist for
multiple campaigns, Young has amassed quite a resume of political
experience, ranging from national to grass roots. He holds a law
degree from the University of Baltimore and has completed the
coursework needed for his doctorate in Public Policy. An award
winning stand-up comic, Young leads the creative teams for multiple
non-partisan lobbying efforts as well as nationwide PSA's. 
