Water is a HUGE factor for anybody who tries to cross into the US via Arizona. In the summer, temperatures often reach 100+F in the desert, and hundreds of people die each year trying to cross the deserts.

Images of illegal immigrant trash dumps on the outskirts of Tucson, AZ. This area (32.13779° N, 110.85944° W), is about 5 miles (direct) from where I work, and it's literally on the border of Tucson and county lands. I read about this place in an article about how illegal immigration is trashing Arizona http://www.tucsonweekly.com/tucson/trashing-arizona/Content?oid=1168857]. I felt the need to check it out for myself. I am absolutely astounded by the amount of trash here, and the desperation that it represents. Illegal immigration is a problem on so many fronts, but harm to the environment is not one we usually think about.

Gallery pages: 1 2 >

< 6 of 12 >

GoNorthWest > This is probably the most heinous of the items you'll find at an illegal immigrant trash dump - a "rape tree." Coyotes, the name for those who bring illegals into Arizona, will sometimes rape a member of the party and put their panties in the tree as a sort of trophy, and a "see what I can do" statement to other coyotes.

GoNorthWest > Old clothes are strewn everywhere in this garbage dump...everything from undergarments to shoes to coats, to the plastic trashbags illegals use for raincoats.

GoNorthWest > A pair of blown out shows amidst the hundreds, literally, of backpacks that lie strewn about the area.

GoNorthWest > Some of this stuff has apparently been here for quite some time.

GoNorthWest > Looking back over the area. Imagine this place at night, crawling with illegal immigrants, waiting to be picked up and taken to points all around North America.

GoNorthWest > Water is a HUGE factor for anybody who tries to cross into the US via Arizona. In the summer, temperatures often reach 100+F in the desert, and hundreds of people die each year trying to cross the deserts.

GoNorthWest > An abandoned parka from a crossing during a recent cold spell. Notice the trash bags laying nearby, which are often used as rain coats.

GoNorthWest > Never have I seen so many beer bottles in my life. Given the nature of this area, it's highly doubtful any of this comes from teenage party goers.

GoNorthWest > One of the dozens of pairs of shoes I saw while walking around the area.

Water is a HUGE factor for anybody who tries to cross into the US via Arizona. In the summer, temperatures often reach 100 F in the desert, and hundreds of people die each year trying to cross the deserts.