Southern Barrier, Part 1

The United States' border with Mexico is nearly 2,000 miles long. Over that vast distance the protective barriers between the two countries vary greatly. It may be interesting to note that nowhere along the entire border has Mexico installed any barrier of its own. All the barriers between the countries have been paid for by the U.S. Taxpayer.

One of the most dangerous border areas in the world is between San Diego, California, USA, and Tijuana, Mexico. Here we see a Union Pacific train passing through the massive barrier at the San Ysidro Port of Entry.

The barrier systems along the border vary greatly. In the urban areas these barriers may be doubled to include a "Secondary" barrier with a "No Man's Land" between. In some of the more violent areas populated by violent gangs or drug cartels, the barrier has been improved with a third obstacle -- usually another fence. Here is a PDF document on the border barriers.

The "Primary" or most southern barriers are comprised of the following types:

Nothing.

Three wire cattle fence.

Vertical railroad rail.

Horizontal railroad rail with 6" drill stem uprights.

Concrete filled thin wall six inch steel tube of staggered height.

Corrugated steel plate.

Perforated corrugated steel plate (landing mat).

Square tubing.

Crushed cars.

The "Secondary" barriers are comprised of the following types:

Climb proof expanded metal fence.

Climb proof chain link fence.

Concrete column or "Bollard" barrier.