Mexico-California Economy Faces Border Security Complications

CALEXICO, CA - MARCH 27: A man leads his shivering and exhausted female companion after emerging from the New River, reportedly the most polluted river in the US, as they hide from US Border Patrol agents after illegally crossing the US/Mexico border in the water on March 27, 2005 near Calexico, California. They had become separated from their "coyote", a paid guide who was supposed to have been floating down the river behind them but never showed up. Border agents say that "coyotes" charged up to $1500 and more to guide clients to destinations such as Los Angeles where this couple is trying to go. When the trekking gets difficult, they often abandon their helpless clients and keep the money. Border Patrol agents avoid contact with the contaminated water because of its toxic chemicals, raw sewage, and 43 diseases reported to be in it, but prefer to nab floating immigrants after they come ashore. In 1995, the launch of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) brought a two-way trade boom between the US and Mexico. The Bush administration has set forth efforts to tighten security to prevent terrorists or their weapons from crossing the border, an effort that could slow the wheels of commerce. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)