For the people who live along the Arizona Mexico divide, a March 2010 murder reverberates.Photographs by Christopher Morris / VII for TIME
Border Fence and Flashpoint
The battle to stem the flow of illegal immigrants has intensified in Arizona, where, in April 2010, Governor Jan Brewer signed a tough new law that requires police to determine whether people they stop are in the country legally or not.Christopher Morris / VII for TIME
Symbol
On March 27, 2010, Rob Krentz, 58, the scion of one of the oldest ranching families in southeast Arizona, was found dead on a remote part of his property after radioing his brother that he was helping someone whom he believed to be an illegal immigrant. Thus far, no one has been arrested for the crime. In the photograph above, Krentz's wife holds a framed picture of her slain husband and their dog.Christopher Morris / VII for TIME
Patrol in the Dark
The task of securing the border falls to the federal government, which despite the tough language that sometimes comes out of Washington, lacks the resources and manpower to effectively monitor the hundreds of miles of border that run through the state. Photo taken April 2010.Christopher Morris / VII for TIME
Warning
The ranchers and families who live along the border are often forced to deal with the illegal border-crossers themselves. Photo taken April 2010.Christopher Morris / VII for TIME
Outspoken
Talk radio host J.D. Hayworth has mounted a vigorous challenge to incumbent senator John McCain by focusing on the issue of immigration. "This is not a political problem to be managed," he told TIME. "It's a huge invasion that has to be stopped." Photo taken April 2010.Christopher Morris / VII for TIME
Scanning
The March 2010 murder of Krentz has only served to intensify the debate about immigration in Arizona. At one point, it was even suggested that the new law — officially titled SB1070 — be renamed the "Rob Krentz law."Christopher Morris / VII for TIME
