84-Year-Old Rancher Takes Border Security into His Own Hands

In recent years, the border between the United States and Mexico has become increasingly dangerous. Criminal cartels exploit vulnerable migrants, using remote stretches of the borderlands to move people and contraband.

With federal resources stretched thin, Jim Chilton has taken to patrolling his ranch himself to deter cartel activity and prevent migrants from wandering onto his land. Though risky, Chilton’s solo patrols aim to reclaim some measure of security and sovereignty over the portion of the border that his family has guarded for generations.

Generations of Ranching Tradition

The Chilton family has worked cattle ranches in southern Arizona for four generations, beginning in 1888. However, illegal border crossings in recent years threaten their long-held way of life. The Chiltons have considered selling their ranch and moving due to the crisis.

But they remain hopeful that solutions can be found to secure the border and protect their ranch. The Chiltons continue to advocate for policy changes to resolve the humanitarian crisis gripping the region while preserving their family’s ranching heritage.

Constant Surveillance

The Chilton ranch has become a dangerous corridor for illegal border crossings, putting the family under constant watch. Jim Chilton, the 84-year-old rancher, conducts patrols across the ranch’s vast and remote lands while under the surveillance of armed cartel members equipped with high-powered scopes and night vision goggles.

They monitor the region to traffic migrants into the U.S. after crossing Chilton’s property. The Chiltons have installed security cameras across the ranch to monitor the large groups of migrants traversing their land after recently entering the country illegally.

Increased Criminal Activity and Violence

The Chilton ranch has become a hotspot for illegal border crossings, resulting in increased criminal activity as dangerous cartels now control human and drug smuggling in the region. Jim Chilton, an 84-year-old rancher, carries a handgun for protection from the Sinaloa cartel.

Several years ago, one of Jim’s cowboys was ambushed by smugglers and forced to traffic 44 pounds of methamphetamine. The growing criminal threat has compelled the Chiltons to install security cameras to monitor illegal activity on their ranch.

Increased Property Damage and Theft on Border Ranches

Border ranchers like the Chilton family have reported a sharp increase in trespassing and vandalism on their properties. Migrants frequently cut holes in fences to gain access, damaging infrastructure and allowing cattle to escape. They also leave behind large amounts of litter, damaging the land.

The influx of migrants has also led to higher rates of theft and burglary on ranches near the border. Food, clothing, and vehicles have been reported stolen, and some ranch homes have been broken into. The Chiltons’ ranch hand was once ambushed by smugglers and forced to transport illegal drugs.

Disruption of Ranching Operations

The migrant crisis has disrupted ranching operations in southern Arizona. Ranch hands spend more time monitoring migrant traffic and repairing damage than tending to livestock or other ranching duties. The presence of smugglers and large groups of migrants also spooks cattle, disrupting feeding and migration patterns.

Some ranchers have considered selling their land due to the financial and operational difficulties presented by the migrant crisis. However, most ranchers wish to continue their family’s long standing ranching traditions.

Humanitarian Efforts

Despite the dangers, the Chiltons provide humanitarian aid to migrants crossing their land. They have installed water fountains to help dehydrated migrants, who frequently encounter exhausted adults and crying children needing assistance.

The Chiltons have offered temporary shelter in their home for some migrants. Jim Chilton laments that he would likely do the same if born in the migrants’ circumstances. However, the Chiltons believe the border needs to be secured to halt uncontrolled illegal immigration.

Calls for Action

Chilton and his wife Sue have campaigned for years to find solutions that will secure the border and establish legal immigration pathways. Chilton believes that “securing the international boundary and developing a program to bring people into this country legally” is necessary to protect his land and way of life.

The intensifying crisis has compelled Chilton to testify before Congress about the impact on his ranch and supported the construction of border walls. Although selling the ranch and retiring have been considered due to the challenges, the Chiltons remain hopeful that remedies can be found.

Confrontations With Armed Cartel Members

In recent years, the Chilton ranch’s proximity to the United States-Mexico border has made it a strategic corridor for illegal crossings. Cartels that control human and drug smuggling in the region regularly send large groups of migrants across Chilton land.

However, monitoring his expansive ranch has become increasingly dangerous. Cartel members, equipped with high-powered rifles and night vision goggles, closely observe Chilton’s movements. Their presence adds a sinister element of danger to an already challenging situation.

More Volunteer Aid Workers for Migrant Assistance

Volunteer aid workers provide humanitarian assistance to migrants traversing the ranch. Brian Best, a 64-year-old volunteer from Tucson, described encountering over 170 people just hours after cartel guides ushered them through a narrow opening in the border wall and onto Chilton land.

“This place breaks your heart every day,” Best said. “They’re exhausted. They’re sick. They’re confused. They’re cold, and they have to wait. How can this be our system?”Though the future is uncertain, the Chiltons maintain hope that a balanced, compassionate approach can be achieved.

Cooperating With Border Patrol Despite Differences

The Chiltons have a complicated relationship with the U.S. Border Patrol. While the rancher family disagrees with some of their policies and actions, they recognize the need to cooperate to address the crisis on their land.

While the Chiltons disagree with some of Border Patrol’s actions, they recognize cooperation is necessary to address the crisis. The growing problem has compelled Jim Chilton to testify before Congress about the impact on their lands.

Investing in Fences, Gates, and Security Measures

In recent years, ranchers like Jim Chilton have invested heavily in security infrastructure and technology to protect their land and livelihood. Given the proximity to the border and the associated dangers from cartels and migrant crossings, such measures are crucial.

The Chiltons have installed miles of fencing around the perimeter of their property to deter trespassers. However, the porous nature of the border means that their land remains vulnerable to unauthorized access.

Closing Up Already Established Smuggling Trails

Gates and barriers have been erected at known smuggling trails and entry points to impede access. However, resourceful smugglers frequently find ways to circumvent these blockades, necessitating constant monitoring and repair by the Chiltons.

While the Chiltons have considered selling their ranch due to the difficulties of operating in such a dangerous environment, their sense of duty to protect their historic family land has compelled them to remain.

Illegal Border Crossing Remains To Be Complex

The issue of border security and immigration is complex, with no easy solutions. Ranchers like John Ladd face difficult choices trying to protect their land and livestock while upholding human dignity. Increased resources and collaboration between agencies could improve outcomes.

There are no simple answers, but with compassion and creativity, progress is possible. We must seek policies upholding both justice and mercy. The way forward requires nuance, wisdom, and good faith from all involved.