Review Of Aura Bogado's 'Bodies On The Line'

In “Bodies on the line” by Aura Bogado, the author explains the civil rights of illegal immigrants, what happens to those who are deported, the Broward Transitional Center living conditions for those who are detained, and the comprehensive immigration reform debate. The author provides example by using the story of undocumented immigrant Claudio Rojas and Marco Saavedra. Bogado explains Claudio Rojas story of being an illegal immigrant. Rojas was caught and detained after his son, Emiliano (also undocumented) was stopped at a checkpoint with no driver’s license. Rojas thought he was protected and pointed out that he had a valid driver’s license and a paid attorney. Unfortunately, he and his son were not protected and were escorted to detention. Rojas admits he and his son approved the deportation as a result of being compelled to relinquish their rights. Three months later, Emiliano’s charges were dropped, but in 120 days Rojas would be deported after spending ten years in the United States as a model citizen. He and his family sacrificed …show more content…
The detention facility that Bogado was escorted through contained no criminals, but two security guards, the assistant warden, and five Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents for Bogado’s safety. There are segregated dorms for the detainees and for every six immigrants, there is a shared bathroom and three bunk beds with a television. Bogado reports a medical clinic, outdoor basketball and volleyball courts, a small law library, and a chapel. Claudio Rojas stated “People there forget that it's a deportation center. It's a place that breaks you down through attrition." Even though it is a nice facility, they are all held there for being an illegal immigrant. Each immigrant is dressed in orange unless they are a volunteer, in which they wear a yellow shirt. Unfortunately, volunteers get paid one dollar for a day’s