Yes, life on the border is probably unpleasant. When people are desperate and scared, they don't always act like angels. And when they are treated like animals, sometimes they can act like it. But, these are human beings. The United States has a rather nasty history with Central America, which factors into this. I can recommend many books, if you're interested.
So, if you have not read it, give Michael’s essay a read. It’s quite good.
The issue concerning the southern border, from my many observations, is that the core worry is not about money, or politics, or security. It’s racism. It’s racism on the verge of white supremacy. The folks who are concerned about the border do not want this great white nation polluted with dirty brown people. However, most racists are cowards and intellectually feeble and will not say this out loud. They hide behind stated concerns for money, or politics, or security. This is a lie. If they had a shred of integrity, they would just speak their thoughts plainly. But it’s not fashionable to sound like a Nazi. Hard to smile nicely for Facebook vacation photos and peddle Nazism. “I’m a good person!” Yes, everyone thinks that of themselves. But, it might not be true.
I have said for years that this country is a sneeze away from something akin to Nazism. We would fall under its spell—given the right politician—quite quickly and willingly. And finding fellas to fill those black uniforms and black, shiny boots would not be a problem. They would be cheered and lauded as heroes.
Piles of dead bodies are fine, just as long as they’re the right ones.
