Bull Springs Road

To the west there is a dust cloud following a white vehicle, making haste and traveling the road leading towards our camp. The cold desert air is burning off slowly in the rising sun.

With raised binoculars, I can discern several things. The speeding vehicle’s suspension is compressing and fully extending again as the front end lifts and falls over each minor ledge it reaches. It is a newish Chevy Tahoe with US government plates and green lettering spelling ‘BORDER PATROL’.

It comes to an abrupt stop directly across from where we were camped. The officer immediately exits the driver’s seat and rushes towards the rear of the SUV. Donning a tactical vest, he sprints towards the opposing knoll looking into the valley with a long distance rifle. Maja and I exchange glances.

The officer leaves the front door to his truck open and I can hear the radio loudly from across Bull Springs Road. Several more vehicles are now approaching, dust rising across the hillside.

Santa Rita Mountains, Arizona - January 25th, 2023