Southern Border

© Robert LeBlanc

The southern border has been a defining issue in American politics for decades, a flashpoint that commands attention at every election cycle. In 2024, it once again dominated the national discourse, emerging as a central theme in the contentious presidential race between Democrats and Republicans. The border’s challenges are complex, woven from threads of immigration policy, human rights, organized crime, and resource allocation.

Recognizing the magnitude of this story, Robert LeBlanc began documenting the border crisis in 2024. Immersing himself in the lives of those on the frontlines—Border Patrol agents, sheriffs, militias, and first responders—LeBlanc captured the daily realities of a system under strain. His images chronicle the sharp rise in asylum seekers, driven by political and economic instability in their home countries, as they attempt to navigate the perilous journey to the United States. At the same time, billion-dollar cartel operations exploit these vulnerabilities, overwhelming law enforcement and creating a stark imbalance between the enormity of the challenge and the resources available to address it.

The situation at the southern border reflects a nation at a crossroads. As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to assume office in 2025, the stakes have never been higher. His campaign promises to enforce strict border controls, deport undocumented immigrants en masse, and curb cartel activity have reignited fierce debate. Meanwhile, humanitarian organizations continue to sound the alarm over the worsening conditions faced by migrants, particularly women and children, who find themselves caught in an increasingly dangerous limbo.

LeBlanc’s work stands as a testament to this pivotal moment. Through his lens, he has documented the raw emotions and stark realities of a border in crisis. As threats of mass deportations and rising gang violence dominate headlines, the question looms: will Trump’s policies bring order to the border, or will they exacerbate the humanitarian and logistical challenges that have defined this issue for so long? LeBlanc’s ongoing documentation promises to hold a mirror to the unfolding drama, chronicling the administration’s efforts to navigate this deeply divisive and profoundly human crisis.

In the coming years, Lebalnc's photos will serve as a historical record and a call to reflection. Whether the promises of reform will alleviate the turmoil or leave a lasting scar on the nation’s conscience remains to be seen. Through his work, LeBlanc ensures that the stories of those living through this tumultuous chapter will not be forgotten, forcing viewers to confront the complexities and consequences of the choices ahead.

click to view the complete set of images in the archive