Title: The Business of Fear on the U.S.-Mexico Border The U.S.-Mexico Border has become a thriving market for fear, and Border Security Expo attendees are hoping to cash in on it. For years, the border has been portrayed as a dangerous, crime-ridden area, where desperate migrants are willing to do anything to cross into the United States. This narrative has been a powerful tool for politicians who want to gain votes by promising tougher immigration policies, and for companies that produce equipment to "secure" the border. The Border Security Expo, held in El Paso, Texas, is a showcase for this industry. Companies from around the world display their latest gadgets, from drones to cameras to biometric scanners, all designed to detect and deter unauthorized crossings. It's a multimillion-dollar industry, with contracts awarded to companies to build walls, install surveillance technology and develop artificial intelligence to monitor the border. But the truth is that the border is not as dangerous as it's portrayed in the media. In fact, crime rates in border towns are often lower than in other areas of the country. This is not to say that there are no risks involved in crossing the border, but the fear that has been stoked is out of proportion to the actual danger. So why has fear become such a profitable business on the U.S.-Mexico Border? Perhaps it's because fear is a powerful motivator. It's easy to convince people to spend money on something when they believe their safety is at stake. It's also a way for politicians to play to people's concerns about national security, without addressing the root causes of migration. The irony is that the pursuit of security has made some people less safe. The use of force to deter migration has led to more dangerous border crossings, as migrants are forced to take more treacherous routes to avoid detection. And the money spent on border security could be better used to address the root causes of migration, such as poverty and violence in Central America. If we want to truly secure the U.S.-Mexico Border, we need to move away from the business of fear and towards a rational, evidence-based approach. We need to invest in programs that address the root causes of migration, and we need to respect the human rights of those who seek a better life in the United States. In the end, the real danger on the U.S.-Mexico Border may not be the migrants, but the fear that has been weaponized for profit. It's time to put an end to this business, and to start addressing the real challenges we face in creating a just and equitable society. Border Security Expo attendees seek profit as fear is being marketed in the US-Mexico border. ![]()