“Chambers notes that his past research “has demonstrated that border surveillance towers force people into remote terrain where they will face excessive physical exertion and extended exposure to the elements.” He says there’s “nothing to suggest that a ‘virtual wall’ is humane,” adding that “surveillance tech is not necessarily distinct from a physical wall.”
“The two work in tandem to isolate human beings and multiply the bodily and mental harm of border crossing,” says Chambers. “What differentiates them most is that towers have been more readily ignored by those not impacted.””