I go to Big Bend often and love it there. I think the Mexicans in Big Bend add to the allure of the place. They are very nice when spoken too and I have had conversations with them on both sides of the river. Awesome people. However, I will agree with the OP.
Why the dog and pony show with the border patrol checkpoints. This goes for ANY state that shares a border with Mexico.
It is absolutely a waste of money. The so called border patrol does nothing else other than harass ordinary people. If they really wanted to do something, they could start.......at the freaking border.
Only in America would the border patrol secure roads 200 miles from the border, leaving the border unsecure, meanwhile the criminals just drive, walk, ride, fly etc right by these checkpoints on other secondary roads or by foot or atv or horse.
Ether we actually do some border security at the border, or just disband the border patrol and put up signs stating its a free for all, come on up.
Quit wasting money pretending. If you have ever been to the Mexican border you know it is all a big charade.