Border reporter Rafael Carranza joins a group of civilian men patrolling the U.S.-Mexico border. They dress in combat gear, carry AR-15s and spend their vacation as part of one of the best-known, and most media-savvy, armed civilian groups in the country. Join them as they track drug smugglers on the Arizona border. 

To read, watch and learn more on this topic, visit thewall.usatoday.com, or text the word “RECON” to our chatbot at 408-872-9255.

This episode was recorded, edited and produced by Hannah Gaber, with field interviews and sound from David Wallace. Kaila White was our production manager. Our technical director was Nate Kelly. It was written by Rafael Carranza, Michael Squires, Josh Susong and Nicole Carroll.

The Wall: Reporting on the Border

On patrol with border vigilantes

For almost 2,000 miles, one line defines a country and divides the world. What is life like at the U.S.-Mexico border now, and how would a wall change that? In this podcast, journalists take you with them to the border to find out. 

Meet a human smuggler. Ride with armed vigilantes. Get bitten – lightly! – by a jaguar. Fly over the entire border line. 

Hear what journalists go through to get these stories – and the surprising things they learn along the way.

This podcast is hosted by Nicole Carroll, executive editor of The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK.