By Elket Rodríguez

In the shadows of the U.S.-Mexico border, 500,000 souls live scattered across an estimated 2,300 colonias – unincorporated communities where predominantly undocumented migrants live, unable to venture beyond the 100-mile jurisdiction of Customs and Border Protection due to fear of arrest and deportation. These villages endure economically distressed conditions, largely unregulated by any level of government and existing outside city limits. Land in colonias is often sold at exorbitant rates, with flood-prone, agriculturally useless half-acres going for $80,000 over 30 years at 25% interest. Residents never own the deed or build equity until the property is fully paid off, meaning a single missed payment can result in the loss of their home. Many of these communities lack basic services, and economic stability, with a median household income of $28,900.  

It is important to highlight that these communities, the status of their residents, and the conditions are known to the state. In fact, the Department of Justice has a list of colonias across South Texas. Yet many residents live in a state of legal limbo, working under the table in the informal economy that sustains the profits of the system. Many colonia residents, who work in agriculture and construction, ironically depend on food boxes from local food banks. They work the fields, but the corporations get the tax write-off.   

This situation mirrors the biblical story of the Israelites under Egyptian oppression, valued for their labor but denied dignity out of fear of their political power. It’s a stark reminder that, while we might see ourselves as Moses leading people to freedom, we often fail to see the Egyptian in us, living comfortably off the suffering of others. For many, their hardships often go unnoticed.   

That is why, this year, I am focusing on a project with the House of Love and Justice –a local Christian Non-Governmental Organization that advocates for migrant communities– to address the critical needs in the direst colonia: La Piñata. Our efforts include establishing women leadership and healthcare training and resources, advocating for their essential services and providing trauma informed Christian parenting education.     

As a field personnel, I also live in the tension of discerning my own surroundings, yet the mission is always within our reach wherever we are. We don’t need to go to Samaria or the ends of the earth when we have Jesus across the road, waiting for us to step out of our bubbles. By doing so, we can observe the biblical text materialize in our lives and live in the tension of doing justice and practicing mercy in our surroundings, all for God’s glory.