Opinion: What we saw on a recent trip to the border is no different than what we've seen over 30 years: A mess that security measures alone can't fix.

Volunteers offer food to migrants on their way to the Sasabe Port of Entry on a rainy Dec. 22, 2023. Randy J. Mayer

“It is long past time for our elected officials to recognize that security has never been the main issue. The people crossing the border aren’t dangerous. They are poor, hardworking, family-loving people fleeing violence and unspeakable terror.

“I would argue, in fact, that the very people who are crossing our border are the people we desperately need in the United States to fill jobs, build our communities and make our neighborhoods healthy and strong.

“Money can’t solve this problem. But policies could.”

Read Rev. Randy Mayer's full OpEd published in The Arizona Republic.

An abandoned stroller sits at the border wall near Sasabe, Arizona on Dec. 22, 2023. - Randy J. Mayer

Pastor Susan Valiquette from First Church UCC, Phoenix, accompanied Randy on this Friday afternoon trip. First Church also made a financial donation to the humanitarian work at the border to pay for supplies and the upkeep of their vehicles and gas. The Samaritans are able to reach migrants in remote areas that the Border Patrol cannot.

If your church would like to support this ministry, you may send your check to 'The Good Shepherd UCC' and designate it to the 'Samaritans, Sahuarita' 17750 South La Cañada Drive, Sahuarita, AZ 85629.