A few hours later, we left the Mexican side. We walked past the American checkpoint, where we were stopped and our passports inspected. The Customs officer, after noticing I was Canadian and with NMD people, pulled me aside and took me into the building. I told him I was with No More Deaths, because I was curious about the situation on the border and about the fact so many people are dying.
I was taken to a small office with dimly lit lights, and was told to stay there while they do a ‘background check’ on me. He took my passport and driver’s identification. My friends were told to leave, of course they refused, and stayed outside the building. I was a bit nervous, but also knew that I do not regret anything I've done with NMD and would do it again. I began praying.
After a few minutes, the officer came back and told me I can go. He noticed my cellphone, which I tried to text the volunteer co-ordinator with to let her know what was going on. He looked very angry and loudly told me to never have it on again, and that he doesn’t want to see it again. It was a bit intimidating, but nothing compared to what migrants face.
People queuing up at the US Customs, waiting to enter the United States. This is where I was briefly detained.
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