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BORDER WARS

In late 2005, Hudspeth County Sheriff Arvin West told federal officials that his deputies had confronted heavily-armed Mexican soldiers operating inside the United States. According to Sheriff West, Mexican soldiers were aiding drug smugglers working along the border.

It was the kind of story that would seem to merit national attention, but no one was much interested in telling it. Federal authorities refused to discuss the incidents, characterizing the sheriff's claims as exaggerated and uncorroborated. National media outlets followed the government's lead and paid the sheriff's story no mind.

That didn't change the facts on the ground. So, in the midst of these alleged incursions, we came looking for the truth. What we found may surprise and anger. Hopefully, it will also lead to a more honest and thoughtful conversation about the border.