The Militarization of the U.S.-Mexico Border, 1978-1992
Subtitle: Low-Intensity Conflict Doctrine Comes Home (Cmas Border & Migration Studies Series)
Publisher: University of Texas Press; CMAS Books, University of Texas at Austin
Published: May 1995
Language: eng
Format: Paperback
Number of pages: 307
ISBN-13: 9780292715806
Subjects: American history; USA; General; Mexico; Military - United States; Politics / Current Events; Drug control; Low-intensity conflicts (Military science); Meican-American Border Region; Mexican-American Border Region; History: American
Description: "Focuses on the growing militarization of US immigration and drug policy along Mexico/US border. Well-researched monograph examines potential for human rights violations by Border Patrol operations and other law enforcement efforts"--Handbook of Latin American Studies, v. 57.

This monograph argues that during the 1978-1992 period, U.S. immigration and drug enforcement policies and practices in the U.S.-Mexico border region became increasingly militarized.

Tim Dunn examines these policies and practices in detail, and considers them in light of the strategy and tactics of the Pentagon doctrine of "low-intensity conflict." Developed during the 1980s for use in Central America and elsewhere, this doctrine is characterized by broad-ranging provisions for establishing social control over specific civilian populations, and its implementation has often been accompanied by widespread human-rights violations.

The study reflects a deep concern for human-rights conditions in the U.S.-Mexico border region - which has a troubled history in that regard - and is informed by the belief that the "official" story is usually but one version of events and should never be accepted uncritically.