Desert Duty

On the Line with the U.S. Border Patrol

De: Bill Broyles, Mark Haynes

Narrado por: David Gilmore

While politicians and pundits endlessly debate immigration policy, US Border Patrol agents put their lives on the line to enforce immigration law. In a day's work, agents may catch a load of narcotics, apprehend groups of people entering the country illegally, and intercept a potential terrorist. Their days often include rescuing aliens from death by thirst or murder by border bandits, preventing neighborhood assaults and burglaries, and administering first aid to accident victims, and may involve delivering an untimely baby or helping stranded motorists. As Bill Broyles and Mark Haynes sum it up, "Border Patrol is a hero job", one that too often goes unrecognized by the public.

Desert Duty puts a human face on the Border Patrol. It features interviews with 19 active-duty and retired agents who have worked at the Wellton, Arizona, station that watches over what is arguably the most perilous crossing along the border - a sparsely populated region of the Sonoran Desert with little water and summer temperatures that routinely top 110 degrees. The agents candidly discuss the rewards and frustrations of holding the line against illegal immigrants, smugglers, and other criminals - while often having to help the very people they are trying to thwart when they get into trouble in the desert. As one agent explains, "The thrill is tracking 'em up before they die. It's a rough ol' way to go - run outta water in this desert".

The book is published by University of Texas Press.

©2010 University of Texas Press (P)2017 Redwood Audiobooks

Fantastic Audio book

Great book. Loved hearing the history of the Border Patrol throughout the chapters. Having been an Agent in Yuma Sector/Blythe Station for a few years back in 98-2000 it brought me back to the things i experienced out there. I even knew some of the names in the story. Thank you for putting this together.

Honor Integrity Discipline

Having worked at the Welton Station, I enjoyed the stories. I also know some of the folks who told their story; it is a personal thing, I guess.

Great book

This was a great book, and provided both insight into the Border Patrol as well as fascinating stories and people. A must read for anyone interested in what goes on at the border, as well as anyone interested in a career with the Border Patrol.

Great history lesson.

Some great history on a great station. Still a great place to work. This job, as has been said isn't for everyone, but for those suited to it, it is very rewarding. This book would be an excellent primer for anyone thinking about working at Wellton, and yes, signcutting and tracking is our bread and butter. I wouldn't want it any other way.

A good look into the world of Border Patrol.

I like the this book a lot. A found the Stories interesting and engaging. It really shows all that the Border Patrol does while on duty, and all the heart they put in on the job

Great book

Great book and a great narrator. Considering a career with BP and was searching for insight. Definitely goes by quick wish there was a collection I’d keep listening.