Monday, April 24, 2006

The Devil's Highway


The Devil's Highway
Originally uploaded by pookie_san99.
The Devil's Highway by Luis Alberto Urrea.
Just finished reading this detailed book about the deaths of 14 Mexicans in 2001.They died while attempting to cross the US/Mexican border.The well researched book covers the events leading up to their deaths and the immediate fallout.
Given the current controversy,government policy and protests concerning illegal immigration it seemed timely to read this book.
The author uses a number of sources to flesh out those involved be they the Border Patrol officers,the illegal immigrants or the Coyote gangs who organise and run the crossings.
Urrea uses Sheriff and Justice Department reports and Mexican Consular papers as well as survivors testimony to put a human face on this issue.
The book has a useful section for further reading.
Its not an issue that will be resolved easily nor one that is going to go away in the near future.
Recommended.

No comments: