Jim Chilton, an Arizona rancher who owns a vast cattle ranch along the U.S.-Mexico border, is seething with anger at the Biden administration’s decision to halt construction of the border wall. He believes this move has directly resulted in a flood of illegal crossings onto his property.
Chilton, who spoke at the Republican National Convention in July, told Fox News Digital that he is personally outraged by the decision to stop the wall. He argues that the wall is an effective deterrent, citing its height and the difficulty in breaching its reinforced construction. “It’s 32 feet high, and it’s got a solid five feet of metal on top, extremely hard to get over. Each of these [bollards] have cement inside. And it’s extremely hard to cut it,” he explained.
Chilton contends that the wall, though not fully completed along his ranch, has been significantly effective in deterring illegal crossings. However, since the Biden administration took office in 2021 and stopped the wall’s construction, he has witnessed a dramatic increase in illegal activity. He claims to have recorded over 3,500 suspected illegal immigrants on cameras he has set up across his property.
While Chilton acknowledges that some migrants turn themselves in to Border Patrol or humanitarian groups, he is deeply concerned about those who come in camouflage and attempt to avoid detection. These individuals often leave backpacks on the Mexican side of the wall, hinting at organized groups waiting to cross.
“People are going north in camouflage and carpet shoes. These are serious hombres,” Chilton said, using a Spanish term for men. “They want to be in the United States without being detected. The Border Patrol rarely catches them. And many of them are packing drugs or other contraband. Some are MS-13 gangsters trying to get into the country. They don’t want to be apprehended.”
Chilton further emphasizes the dangers faced by migrants attempting to cross the border illegally. The scorching Arizona heat can quickly lead to dehydration, disorientation, and even injury. The vastness of the terrain makes it difficult for authorities or aid organizations to find those who become lost or injured.
Despite opposing illegal immigration, Chilton has set up water taps on his ranch to ensure migrants have access to clean water and avoid dehydration. He believes the Biden administration’s policies have made crossing the border more appealing, citing reports of free travel, bank cards, medical care, and housing offered to migrants in certain areas.
“Why aren’t we creating jobs for people here like veterans and bringing in more people that will need jobs? Why are we providing housing for the undocumented when our own people aren’t getting free hotels? I ask the question, why?” he questions.
While the number of illegal crossings has decreased this year, Chilton remains apprehensive. He continues to patrol his property armed, highlighting the security concerns he faces. He blames the Biden administration for their role in the border crisis, saying they have “welcomed people to come into the United States, and they’ve done everything possible to make it very desirable.”
