I woke up this morning with a lot of anticipation for the day, so much so that I kept waking up before my alarm had gone off, hours before even. Every time I checked my phone, and it wasn’t 6 am, I felt an odd sense of disappointment. I think there was a level of anticipation there, but also a level of needing to get out there. To just rip the bandage off and start the day so that I could feel a little less anxious. Even though we woke up early, we were running behind as we grabbed all of our things to head out for breakfast and into the brush. For some of us, this wasn’t the first time, but for others it was, and yet I think we all shared a similar sense of anxiety and anticipation for the day.
We headed out to meet up with Don and Ray at the ranch they were staying at. We loaded into their four wheel trucks and headed south to the ranch where we would be searching for active migrant pathways. In one section, there is a large power line that runs north-south along the property, and we stopped there to begin setting up to conduct our line searches along the power line. We worked in half a mile segments in each direction, walking along the clearing as well as looking into the brush for areas where migrants may have stopped to eat, rest, or drop off items they were no longer able to carry.
Amanda and Peytin chat with Don.
Besides Amanda and Peyton being new for the year, we were also joined by Reed and Melissa (and Melissa’s horse, Danny) to help in the search. I think the added people really made this feel a bit more manageable, as Melissa went ahead on her horse to search the area while Reed assisted in our line searches and delved into the brush whenever we spotted something that may be an artifact or skeletal in nature.
Melissa and Danny
Reed holds up a nonhuman bone he found.
Every time I am out in the brush, I am reminded of just how vast the ranches are. I grew up thinking that owning 14 acres was a lot of land, but in Brooks County, ranches can span thousands, or even hundreds of thousands of acres. The ranch we were on today was huge, and standing in the middle of it made the scale feel almost unreal, with the brush and horizon seeming to extend endlessly in every direction. Even within the small area we covered, it was easy to get turned around when the power line wasn’t visible. When you couple that with the fact that many of the migrants are traveling in the dark, already exhausted, and moving quickly, it becomes easy to understand how someone could lose their sense of direction.
The temperature was another factor to contend with, with highs in the upper 80s to low 90s and feeling even warmer under clear skies and direct sun. We downed our water quickly, especially compared to last year. As we headed back to the truck, drenched in sweat, Don talked about how high temperatures in Texas often influence when migrants travel through the area. He explained that they typically avoid traveling during the day due to the heat and the open visibility, though he noted that he had once encountered a group that had been traveling during the day.
He explained that the group was exhausted and that their water had become warm and contaminated, rendering it essentially undrinkable. I thought about my own water, how I had chosen not to take a sip during one of our recent water breaks because it was too warm, opting instead to wait for the cooler water I had left in Ray’s truck. In that moment, I think I fully recognized that migrants often do not have access to a steady supply of clean water during their journey, relying only on what they can carry with them or what they happen to find along the way… typically small ponds or watering holes intended for livestock or wildlife, not for human use.
Amanda looks at some nonhuman bones.
After we left, dirty and exhausted, we took a small tour of the ranch that Don, Ray, Reed, and Melissa are staying at, which provided a welcome opportunity to slow down and relax after the day’s work. We then went to Strickland’s, a local restaurant in the area with some of the best food I have ever had, to unwind and catch up after the long day. Being able to talk with everyone in such a casual setting felt like a moment of calm amidst the chaos of it all.
I was especially struck by how grateful I felt to be there, to be a part of this team and to contribute, in whatever small way I can, to the work that Don, Ray, and Dr. Latham have devoted so much time and effort to over the years.
As I write this, I’m tired, dirty, and yet reflective and grateful for the people, the purpose, and the opportunity to be here, with that same sense of anticipation from this morning returning as we prepare for tomorrow.
When I was invited to join the Beyond Borders team this year, I anticipated it would be an eye-opening experience. Despite having heard countless stories from Dr. Krista Latham and former participants, I had never fully grasped the depth of their experiences. With that in mind, I set out with two main goals: (1) to understand the history of the Beyond Borders project, and (2) to gain insight into the work my students and colleagues carry out each year.
From the very beginning of this trip, it was impossible not to imagine myself in the position of the individuals we were there to search for. Navigating the harsh environment—pushing through thorny shrubs and cacti—was challenging enough, but I am privileged to do so without the desperation or danger that migrants face. I will never truly comprehend the strength it takes to undertake such an arduous journey or the circumstances that drive people to consider this much risk.
UIndy team members walk through thick grass, searching for a missing person.
Example of large thorny shrubs in south Texas.
Throughout this trip, I became aware of realities I had never fully considered. For example, I learned that migrants typically travel at night, maneuvering through dense terrain filled with unpredictable vegetation, sinking sand, and wild animals such as large boars and coyotes. Travelers rest during the day, often seeking shelter under the low-hanging branches of thorny trees, leaving behind few materials nor any evidence of flashlights. The thought of moving through South Texas’ rough terrain without proper gear, light, or protection from wildlife is unimaginable to me.
UIndy student, Makenna, closely examines several non-human bones.
Some days yielded discoveries of numerous animal bones, which turned into impromptu teaching moments for the students to compare their knowledge of human and non-human skeletal remains. While this was engaging for a day, I soon realized that not everything needed to become a lesson, especially when it detracted from our primary goal of searching for missing persons and for signs of recent routes on which migrants might have been left behind.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was observing the graduate students adapt and support one another in the field. Experiential learning is a cornerstone of the Human Biology Master’s Program at the University of Indianapolis (UIndy), and this project exemplifies that. Beyond its humanitarian purpose, it fosters trust and strengthens relationships among UIndy and team members Deputy Don White and Paramedic Ray Gregory of Remote Wildlands Search and Recovery. Despite it being my first time in the field with this group, I was struck by how seamlessly we worked together. The students’ thoughtful daily reflections—both written and spoken—were a testament to their growth and the power of shared experiences.
I was especially struck by each team member’s strong qualities:
Chastidy’s openness: Though this was her second time on the Beyond Borders team, we shared several new experiences and her ability to verbalize her thoughts so poignantly was touching.
Frankey’s positivity: Even after long days crawling through thorny brush, she maintained a joyful demeanor, which uplifted the group’s morale.
Lilly’s resilience: After a minor mishap with camera settings during her turn as photographer, she embraced a second chance and captured the day beautifully.
Makenna’s responsiveness: As the line leader, she rose to the challenge, quickly implementing constructive feedback to keep us better aligned and doing an excellent job.
Krista’s leadership: Her ability to foster a strong team dynamic through daily exercises of reflection—what each member learned, excelled at, and could improve upon—was inspiring.
Don’sdedication: His commitment to helping others and in-depth knowledge of the key areas most in need of searching was invaluable. This was possible because of the relationships he built with ranch owners providing us with essential access to conduct searches.
Ray’s vigilance: As a paramedic, he took on the critical role of safeguarding our team’s well-being, ensuring we stayed hydrated and were safe as we navigated through remote and challenging terrain.
The team (from left to right): Krista, Ray, Makenna, Lilly, Chastidy, Frankey, and Don.
The week was not solely about fieldwork. On days when we left a ranch by mid-afternoon, we engaged in activities that deepened our understanding of the community and the project’s history. These included a guided tour of the Falfurrias cemetery where the project began, a visit to the shrine of Don Pedrito (a renowned faith healer), and a trip to the U.S.–Mexico border.
UIndy students take a walking tour of the Falfurrias Cemetery, guided by Dr. Krista Latham (right).
At the border, we encountered Border Patrol agents stationed at a large, gated fence. While speaking with an agent who welcomed our questions, we witnessed a patrol truck return to the U.S. carrying two individuals seeking asylum. This moment was profoundly impactful, knowing that such opportunities may soon become unavailable under the incoming administration. It left me wondering how many more people will attempt the long and dangerous trek across the South Texas plains willing to risk everything—including their lives—to seek something different and potentially better.
View of the US-Mexico border wall and gate.
There is no simple solution to this humanitarian crisis, but after this experience, I feel better equipped to speak about the Beyond Borders project with better understanding and compassion. I am deeply grateful to have been part of the 2025 team.
The 6:45am alarm goes off. I turn it off and close my eyes. My body suddenly jolts, I had fallen back asleep for an extra 5 minutes. My teammates and I get up and start pulling out clothes and packing our bags. It is 38 degrees outside this morning. The high will only get up to 56 today, a stark difference from the day before which reached 90 degrees. After chugging our Vitamin C packet Dr. Latham gives us every morning at breakfast, we layer up in extra flannels.
Today’s plan is to return to the same ranch we searched yesterday. Don wants us to thoroughly search a new area to find out if there is any evidence of migrant activity less than about a year old. This, we learned, would help him determine if this area is a path that coyotes alternate using when they bring migrants through Brooks County. This part of the ranch has never been searched before, and since it is so large, it is crucial to have our group assist him. We anxiously await for Don and Ray to meet us so we can load up in the trucks and head off.
Socks looking outside, excited to get started!
This ranch has the same two-lane road next to the fence line that separates it from another ranch as we saw yesterday. The vegetation in this area has many dense and thick MOTs. Becase of the dense brush, migrants tend to walk along a path in areas like this. We learned that even though the sand may hold footprints, the winds the past few days have been strong enough to completely remove such evidence within hours. Our task today is to search along the road and slightly into some of the brush and trees in the periphery, which is where migrants would likely take a break and potentially leave items behind.
Pencil cactus in the tall grass.
After taking our pre-day picture shivering in the morning air and we are off. First we start in a vast field of tall grass that goes up past our hips with a dense treeline to the east. Using a “buddy system,” we paired into three groups to easily keep an eye on each other. In the treeline, Makenna and I had to weave in and out of thorny tree branches which grabbed our clothes and hair while also dodging deceptively camouflaged pencil cacti. While searching, we observed areas where traveling migrants would potentially rest, but most did not show evidence of recent use. While searching in a MOT, I moved a low-hanging thick branch and thinking nothing of it, I then walked inside to search. It was not until I came back out with my buddy, that Ray came up to us to let us know we needed to pay attention to where we were going and be more aware when we move branches. Turns out that the branch I moved was a dead limb barely hanging above us and when I had moved it, it nearly came loose and could have fallen and hit Makenna. The possibility that this could have happened caused a deep fear and anxiety in my stomach. I don’t know what I would have done if I had been responsible for causing someone to get hurt. Getting injured out here is so easy (our many bandaids have proven that). I can’t imagine what a migrant might have to face after getting significantly hurt while traveling and under the complete mercy of a guide. According to Don and Ray, more often than not, they are abandoned by the group and literally left for dead.
Training Socks to lay down.
We continued searching and found a few items. Most common were cans and plastic bottles but many were not recent. Occasionally we saw mounds of non-human skeletal remains, including nilgai, hog, deer, and coyote. Ray was keeping a watchful eye on us all while we were searching with our buddies. Meanwhile, Don was off with socks searching ahead. Occasionally you’d hear him singing a lyric over the walkie to check in on us, with members responding back with the next verse. Finally when we were out of MOTs Don had returned to lead us to an area with some things he wanted to show and explain to us.
Gap under the barbed wire fence separating ranches.
We proceeded to walk down the sand road which was so hard to walk on in our heavy pants, boots, and gaiters. Finally, we reached a corner of the ranch where 3 ranches met. Here Don showed us a gap dug under one of the fences. We learned that typically these are dug by wild hogs and then, opportunistically, other animals and groups of migrants will use them to cross into different ranches. This gap just so happens to be placed directly next to an emergency 911 sign. These metal signs are made and placed around some ranches to provide a number for migrants to call if they are in distress. These are accompanied by a number they can give while calling which will notify authoriites exactly which sign they are located at. Many of the calls Don and other organizations get are approximate coordinates. Coordinates, no matter what instrument you use, are widely inaccurate. Thus when border patrol or Don goes out to search for the individual they are usually not at the actual coordinates provided. About 100 meters from this site, in the distance we could see a satellite emergency beacon. It makes me very relieved that things like these exist but it’s important to note, this is the first one I’ve seen in the ranches I’ve been to this year and last year, meaning they are not super common. If a migrant is in distress they likely won’t make it to an area with a sign or satellite. I can’t help but think of how many lives could have been saved if these were more common.
Ray lighting a Frito on fire.
During our lunch break, Ray taught us a survival strategy in which Fritos can be used to start a fire. We all laughed thinking this was a joke like always, but Ray proved it to be true, proceeding to light a Frito on fire with a simple match.
Scorpion on the backpack we found.
With full bellies and some newfound knowledge, we got back to searching more of the sand path and treeline next to it. We split with new buddies and began to find similar trash spread sporadically. Again, nothing suggested recent travel. It was then Lilly and Dr. Latham came across a backpack with a few cans. We gathered around, but as Lilly was picking up the bag to cut it open, a live scorpion caused her to drop it. Ray came over and picked the scorpion up with his knife and flung it away. Cutting the bag open revealed nothing but an obviously weathered shirt which showed the bag was there for a while. Soon after Don decided to conclude the search. We had successfully searched a large portion of land on a ranch that hadn’t been searched before. One more place Don can check off his list.
We drove back sharing stories about ourselves in the truck. I really value the times we all can take time away from the seriousness and heaviness of our searches and bond with each other and Don and Ray.
We departed Don and Ray as they needed to file a report for the recovery we did on Saturday with the JP or Justice of the Peace. It is similar to a coroner in other states but a JP has FAR more responsibilities which has proven to be overwhelming, especially with counties dealing with the migrant crisis like Brooks County. Although it is not on the border it has one of the highest rates of death of migrants due to the border checkpoint.
Scarab beetle I found and named Franklin.
After changing we were able to take a small break to relax and decompress in our hotel room. Being down here in Brooks has allowed me the opportunity to try new things, which I don’t do very often, and I am thankful to come back and experience more new things. This includes food like Sour Pickle Balls. Frankey and Lilly tried them, which resulted in an overwhelming spicy and sour taste and the unfortunate side effect of making their mouths and teeth a deep blue. After our short break we started our hour-and-a-half journey down to see the wall that separates the US and Mexico. We listened to music, watched the scenary chnage as we moved south, and talked about the day.
The wall between the US and Mexico.
When we arrived we came upon a vast urban area full of many businesses and surrounding residential areas. For some reason, I never thought there’d be a large city right along the border and a bridge to Mexico. I always pictured the environment we saw on the ranches spanning for acres and all of a sudden a huge wall, but this wasn’t the case. While driving we saw the massively tall wall in the distance. Further, though, it switched to a chainlink fence which I thought was weird at the time. We were no more than half a mile from Mexico.
The 2025 team at the southern wall.
We were able to park at the base of the wall where a gate was located with multiple border patrol cars. We walked up and Dr. Latham introduced our group and we had the opportunity to talk to an agent there and ask questions. The border patrol agent we talked to was originally from Maine and he was stationed at the northern border between the US and Canada. Here we learned the reason the wall switches to a smaller fence in places is because on the other side there is a 15ft drop. Depending on where you are the wall looks different, with some parts newer than others. Likewise, we learned that border patrol doesn’t station people at a specific spot all the time. Typically they just patrol except for some high-traffic places. The border patrol agent told us the majority of what he has seen here is “turn in traffic” rather than chases. This means people will turn themselves in and seek out border patrol. Dr. Latham tells us that they will do this to declare asylum or if they are in distress. The agent is an EMT and works to take care of people in distress. He placed great emphasis on the fact that he checks on children first because they are smaller and may not handle the environment, climate, and trek nearly as well as the adults they travel with.
Gate of the wall between the US and Mexico.
While we were talking, the gate opened and a white and green border patrol truck pulled through and parked on the bank with two individuals riding in the bed of the truck. They help each other out and then are led to a place by the gate where they could sit and wait. Watching this made me feel so guilty and ashamed to be observing this serious moment like a tourist with camera in hand. I am so privileged to be born into the family I was. Why must someone struggle so much to escape one life to cross the border into a country where it is not guaranteed life will be any better? I was always told growing up that life isn’t fair, but in the context of the prolonged mass disaster at the border, it’s something I absolutely cannot get over. Dr. Latham said they probably turned themselves in to seek asylum. Seeing this made the crisis so much more real. There is likely high traffic right now because the right to seek asylum is still in effect under the current administration but with the new administration, border policies may change.
Trash littering the hill with the wall in the background.
As we were leaving, we walked down the path where I noticed the trash littering the hill on both sides. There was clothing, bottles, bags, water jugs, and right by the road: a ladder perhaps used to climb over the wall. As we pulled away, I was able to reflect that this was a defining moment for me and an opportunity I never would have been able to experience without Beyond Borders.
Ladder discarded by the wall.
We started driving back and decided to stop at Dr. Latham’s favorite tamale restaurant only located in South Texas: Delia’s. We ordered two dozen tamales and two of us got to try them for the first time (P.S. You’re not supposed to eat the husk if you didn’t know). Thoroughly satisfied and mouths on fire, we got back in the car to drive back.
Tamales for dinner.
When we arrived we had our nightly debriefing. Although we didn’t have as many recoveries as last year, I had to remember that this trip was completely different. Last year every ranch we went to we had coordinates showing there was someone there at some point. This year we took on a role of more searching for activity and general clearing of areas for Don. This trip was just as successful, just for different reasons.
Welcome to Texas sign.
Fully realizing that tomorrow will be our last day, we returned to our room to make sure we got as much rest as possible. Recovery or not, I will never forget this experience, and I’ll cherish every single moment.
