As lawmakers in Washington debate how to reform America's immigration policy, the impact of any changes will be felt by those living along the U.S.-Mexico border. Here in Falfurrias, Texas -- more than 70 miles north of the border -- lie the graves of dozens of migrants who died trying to illegally cross the border. Baylor University's forensics students have exhumed 63 bodies in an effort to identify them.
Border town impact —
As lawmakers in Washington debate how to reform America's immigration policy, the impact of any changes will be felt by those living along the U.S.-Mexico border. Here in Falfurrias, Texas -- more than 70 miles north of the border -- lie the graves of dozens of migrants who died trying to illegally cross the border. Baylor University's forensics students have exhumed 63 bodies in an effort to identify them.
David S. Holloway/CNN
Despite being dozens of miles away from the border, ranchers near Falfurrias, Texas, must secure their property from those crossing the border illegally. Here, Isaias Marquez cares for the dogs that patrol El Tule Ranch, where he works.
Border town impact —
Despite being dozens of miles away from the border, ranchers near Falfurrias, Texas, must secure their property from those crossing the border illegally. Here, Isaias Marquez cares for the dogs that patrol El Tule Ranch, where he works.
David S. Holloway/CNN
Horses on the El Tule Ranch in Brooks County, Texas.
Border town impact —
Horses on the El Tule Ranch in Brooks County, Texas.
David S. Holloway/CNN
While ranchers are concerned about illegal immigrants, they know firsthand the need for migrant labor which keeps the Rio Grande Valley operating. Here, El Tule Ranch manager Lavoyger Durham surveys the property.
Border town impact —
While ranchers are concerned about illegal immigrants, they know firsthand the need for migrant labor which keeps the Rio Grande Valley operating. Here, El Tule Ranch manager Lavoyger Durham surveys the property.
David S. Holloway/CNN
Ranchers and farmers often build ladders over their fences in hopes that migrants won't damage the fences when crossing.
Border town impact —
Ranchers and farmers often build ladders over their fences in hopes that migrants won't damage the fences when crossing.
David S. Holloway/CNN
The shoes of a Guatemalan undocumented immigrant named Luz, who was found on the El Tule Ranch and surrendered on July 15. She crossed with several other migrants, with the help of a "coyote" or smuggler. The group split up to run from border patrol shortly before she was found on the ranch.
Border town impact —
The shoes of a Guatemalan undocumented immigrant named Luz, who was found on the El Tule Ranch and surrendered on July 15. She crossed with several other migrants, with the help of a "coyote" or smuggler. The group split up to run from border patrol shortly before she was found on the ranch.
David S. Holloway/CNN
Brooks County Judge Raul Ramirez is the top elected official in the county, where 129 bodies of illegal immigrants were found last year. It costs the rural county nearly $2,000 per body to process the remains.
Border town impact —
Brooks County Judge Raul Ramirez is the top elected official in the county, where 129 bodies of illegal immigrants were found last year. It costs the rural county nearly $2,000 per body to process the remains.
David S. Holloway/CNN
A border patrol helicopter flies above the Rio Grande on July 14.
Border town impact —
A border patrol helicopter flies above the Rio Grande on July 14.
David S. Holloway/CNN
Hidalgo, Texas, is just a mile from the U.S.-Mexico border, and it's where many illegal immigrants touch U.S. soil for the first time.
Border town impact —
Hidalgo, Texas, is just a mile from the U.S.-Mexico border, and it's where many illegal immigrants touch U.S. soil for the first time.
David S. Holloway/CNN
Items left by illegal immigrants, near the border town of Mission, Texas.
Border town impact —
Items left by illegal immigrants, near the border town of Mission, Texas.
David S. Holloway/CNN
A sign warns of security cameras on a farm near the border.
Border town impact —
A sign warns of security cameras on a farm near the border.
David S. Holloway/CNN
Part of the border fence in south Texas is made from 6-by-6-inch iron bars.
Border town impact —
Part of the border fence in south Texas is made from 6-by-6-inch iron bars.
David S. Holloway/CNN
A storm drain in Mission, Texas is filled with soil and rocks in an effort to keep people from hiding in it.
Border town impact —
A storm drain in Mission, Texas is filled with soil and rocks in an effort to keep people from hiding in it.
David S. Holloway/CNN
A gun range target on the El Tule Ranch.
Border town impact —
A gun range target on the El Tule Ranch.
David S. Holloway/CNN