YUMA, Ariz. — I’m standing at the border waiting to go live for 12News at 10 and the mix of feelings is hard to articulate.
More than anything, I feel an overwhelming sense of sadness. Sadness for the hundreds of migrants who have made the long journey to the border. A journey that may or may not have been worth it.
Most of them have been lied to by the smugglers and cartel members who gladly took their money and promised them a “better life” in America.
They were told they would be granted asylum and could begin anew without the threats of violence that had forced them to make this dangerous journey in the first place.
Many were from South America and Mexico. Many others had come from places like Senegal, Uganda and Mali.
But my sadness was also tempered with frustration. Frustration that this crisis could have been avoided.
It’s not the end of Title 42 that caused this. It’s the lack of attention to a broken border and flawed immigration system that our elected leaders for years have failed to address.
What I see as children cry and parents try to comfort them. It's a border crisis, a humanitarian crisis and a self-inflicted wound that will have repercussions for years.
The Border
Get the latest news and updates on the 12News coverage of the U.S./Mexico border.
More ways to get 12News
On your phone: Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
On your streaming device: Download 12News+ to your streaming device
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.