When Policing the Border, Cruelty is the Point

Produced by KSQD 90.7FM, 89.5 & 89.7FM

When Policing the Border, Cruelty is the Point!

“Be Bold America!” Sunday, January 14, 2024 at 5:00pm (PT)

“Because whatever has happened to humanity, whatever is currently happening to humanity, it is happening to all of us. No matter how hidden the cruelty, no matter how far off the screams of pain and terror, we live in one world.” – Alice Walker

It is time for the United States Border Patrol to experience an unflinching analysis of its actions because it is riddled with corruption, racism, and misogyny. There is an ugly underbelly and, today, Jenn Budd is the most important voice exposing what most of us never see about immigration enforcement in the United States. Jenn is raw and truthful and no one escapes judgment … not even herself. 

Jenn searches deep within herself to examine her own prejudices as a white, southerner and the role she played as a border patrol agent. Her book, “Against the Wall: My Journey from Border Patrol Agent to Immigrant Rights Activist” challenges us, as individuals and as a nation, to face the consequences of our actions.  She also gives harrowing testimony about rape culture, white privilege, women and law-enforcement, LGBTQ issues, mental illness, survival and forgiveness. 

Interview Guest: 

Jenn Budd was a Senior Patrol Agent with the US Border Patrol in San Diego, a Senior Intelligence Agent at San Diego Sector Headquarters and an Acting Supervisory Border Patrol Agent from 1995 to 2001 when she resigned in protest due to the rampant corruption and brutality she witnessed on a daily basis. After nearly 30 years of border experience on both sides of the issues, she came to the realization that our immigration policies have created an intentional brutal system that in her opinion resembles a slow-moving genocide for asylum seekers. 

Jenn is the author of the acclaimed memoir "Against the Wall: My Journey From Border Patrol Agent to Immigrant Rights Activist" The book was selected as a finalist in Publishing Triangle's prestigious Randy Shilts Award, and received an Honorable mention in the Los Angeles Book festival Awards.

She is often quoted and consulted on Border Patrol articles for outlets such as The New York Times, Newsweek, The Nation, The Guardian, Washington Post, Daily Koz, NPR, Telemundo, CNN, Politico, Mother Jones, John Oliver, Samantha Bee and recently featured in "The Nation" Dec 25, 2023 - January 1, 2024 Issue. She can also be found in the halls of Congress speaking with members on humane immigration policies. 

Guest Cohost:

Blanca Zarazua, ESQ. Blanca Zarazúa’s father, Aquilino, came to the United States in 1945 when he began working as a Bracero or guest worker in Chualar, California.  Ms. Zarazua maintains her own law practice in Monterey County, California and has been in practice since 1987. Ms. Zarazúa is now representing individuals and families with respect to immigration law matters.  

She is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and has served on the board of the Latin America District Chapter which serves Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. In 2003 Ms. Zarazúa was honored with a lifetime appointment by Mexico’s former President Vicente Fox to serve as Honorary Consul of Mexico for Monterey and Santa Cruz counties.  She earned an MBA from UC Berkeley; a JD from Santa Clara University; and an LLM from Golden Gate University.  She has completed studies in Oxford, England; Rome, Italy; and Guadalajara, Mexico.