Crossing Arizona

Crossing Arizona is a thought-provoking 2006 documentary directed by Joseph Mathew and Daniel DeVivo, which delves into the complex and controversial issue of illegal immigration along the Arizona-Mexico border. The movie provides a wide-ranging perspective on this heated topic by talking to a diverse group of people who are directly affected by this issue.

The film begins by setting the scene at the Arizona-Mexico border, which is described as a perilous gateway for thousands of Latin American migrants who seek a new life in the United States. The filmmakers brilliantly capture the dire circumstances these migrants face, risking their lives traversing the unforgiving Sonoran Desert, battling intense heat, dehydration, and possibly encountering human traffickers.

Through intimate cinematography and in-depth interviews, the filmmakers attempt to unravel the layers of controversy surrounding the immigration crisis. They incorporate viewpoints from a wide range of perspectives – from migrants, activists, ranchers, humanitarians, to law enforcement officials.

Among the interviewed subjects are people like Chris Simcox, a former schoolteacher who became an anti-immigration activist, forming the controversial Minuteman Civil Defense Corps due to the rise in illegal immigrants crossing through Arizona. Simcox's perspective starkly contrasts with the migrant stories who share their harrowing journey across the border.

In another perspective, the film introduces us to ranchers like Jack Ladd, who sees his property damaged and his life disrupted by the near-constant stream of migrants passing through. Humanitarians like Father Robin Hoover of Humane Borders are also featured, advocating for the placement of water stations in the desert to prevent the many deaths that occur due to dehydration.

Accompanied by stirring visuals of the perilous Sonoran landscape, Crossing Arizona emphasizes the human stakes involved by zooming into personal anecdotes. Stories of human desperation, hope, and dreams are at the heart of the film. With the border crisis as the backdrop, the film is a balanced and empathetic portrayal of a heart-wrenching humanitarian issue that continues to grip national headlines.

The law enforcement perspective is also amply represented. The directors include interviews with Don Goldwater, nephew of the former Republican Presidential candidate Barry Goldwater, offering a stringent stance on immigration and border control. The movie also explores the viewpoints of border patrol agents and local sheriffs who deal with the border crossings daily. Ever-present throughout the narrative is the question of the effectiveness of policies, law enforcement, and border walls in addressing the issue.

Notably, the film exposes the profiteering aspect of this issue, shedding light on the so-called 'Coyotes’ - individuals who exploit the crisis for their gain by smuggling desperate people across the border, often under dangerous circumstances, for hefty fees.

Highlighted in the film are the local Arizona communities that are most affected by the influx of migrants and the crime that sometimes follows. The costs, both financial and psychological, borne by these communities are on full display. They grapple with a federal government that often appears to be indifferent to their plight and a widespread system that seems unable to handle the sheer scale of the issue.

The film is lauded for its unbiased approach. The directors skillfully manage to present unfiltered, honest viewpoints without imposing a specific political or moral stance. This neutrality makes Crossing Arizona a captivating watch, encouraging the viewers to draw their own conclusions about the situation.

Through the guise of a human drama, Crossing Arizona presents a profound examination of an ongoing, unresolved crisis at the heart of American society. It invites viewers to question the efficacy of current policies, empathize with the plight of the migrants, understand the grievances of the affected locals, and seek a solution that respects both human rights and national sovereignty.

Crossing Arizona, with its compassionate storytelling and breathtaking cinematography, is not just a documentary about a border crisis. It is a testament to the human spirit, resilience, and survival against the harshest odds. It reminds us of the shared humanity that binds us all, regardless of the side of the border we stand on. And most importantly, it is a call for dialogue, understanding and reform.