Fortress Europe: The Electronic Curtain
Indian III: Gurdeep Singh s/o Radha singh 1- When we arrived in Moscow he said: "I'll arrange transport for you guys. You can make a lot of money out of it. You'll recuperate your costs within a year." They were going to take us to Hungary. It was an awful, miserable journey. Intro Ukraine action shots of both border battalions, build-up tension - night shot, dog on patrol, train inspection, Indians walking in yard, motor-cycle policeman, ACTION Mini quotes: "It's not easy to guard 300 kilometres of border." "We're still winning at the moment, but will it stay like that? I hope so." "It's Ukraine's fate that it's geographically positioned on the transition route." "Illegal immigrants are often treated barbarically." "The people who blame the Ukraine for this influx of immigrants is incompetent." This is the threshold of Europe's new backdoor: the border region between Poland and the Ukraine. It's a door that many dont take the trouble to knock on before entering.
Indian Gurdeep Singh s/o Radha Singh "The smuggler didn't talk to us much, and we didn't speak their language. We only speak Punjabi. We had no idea what was going on." Train shots, general noise, checks by border guards Ukrainian border, part 1 The EU considers the Ukraine to be of fundamental importance to the stability of Europe. Since the beginning of 2003, Ukrainian border police have arrested almost 5,000 illegal immigrants, mostly from China, India and other Asian countries. Q. Commander Shir "Usually, the illegals don't reach Ukrainian territory independently. They are normally brought here by organised smuggling groups. That is organised crime.
They bring them as far as the border. These criminal organisations no longer operate from just one country, but internationally. Preventing such organised crime is a stiff task. More than 45,000 border guards are now in action and the force is reorganising and modernising. The message Ukrainian leaders want to put out is that the Ukraine is doing everything in its power to enter the European Union. But near the Krakovec border checkpoint, there is little evidence of the new investments. - bang The ploughed-up sand track is to ensure that those crossing the border illegally leave clear footprints. Crude wooden stakes poking from the ground offer further protection.. However, this year, in this area, nearly150 illegal immigrants were caught while trying to cross the border. Q. Major V. Malnichanko, repl Commander of Mostis'ka border area, Chief-of-staff repl. Commander Krakovec border checkpoint. "The border guards learn how to interpret the tracks. They learn to tell if they're from just two people or a whole group. Then, later on, dogs can be used. They can follow the trail. Then we can catch the illegals". Music shots of border post Illegal immigrants also regularly try to get in by going through the normal border checkpoints. Recently, the Ukraine was given its first computerised system in order to catch illegal immigrants travelling on false passports or visas. But there is scant evidence of many other technological devices in this new building. L'viv barracks with Indians wide shot of L'viv
shots of marching drills, with commander in the background, close-up of boots, Indians going outside, cell bars
The regional headquarters is in L'viv. By Summer 2003, the number of illegal immigrants arrested by the battalion was the same as for the whole of the previous year. The Ukrainians don't really know what to do with these illegal immigrants. In the courtyard of their headquarters, are a group of Indians, held here since last Christmas. They are kept in the cellar of the complex, but the cameras were denied access. Indian Gurdeep Singh s/o Radha Singh "At night they left us in the cold without saying a word. We walked around aimlessly, then the police arrested us. We asked them what the problem was. They said: You're here illegally." They are imprisoned between home and nowhere: prisoners in a no-man's land, with no money to go home, in a country that is too poor to deport them. Now they have just one wish: to return to India. And they are not the only ones by far. The real reception camps are overcrowded. The cells here are not meant to hold people for more than just a few nights. Furthermore, the Indians have to share their cells with the smugglers, who abandoned them.
Q. Colonel V.shir, Commander L'viv border battalion "The illegal border crossings resulted in contact with the Indian Embassy. The embassy does not have the funds to repatriate its own citizens, so they cannot go home and therefore they are held in reception camps and the Ukraine foots the bill. That is the whole problem basically, when it comes to the deportation of illegal immigrants." Indian Gurdeep Singh s/o Radha Singh "We've been here now for eight months. We're really fed up with it. We're worn out by this situation and unable to work because of it. We itch all over because of the lice. We're sick and tired of it." break with music by Bob Dylan, shots of the courtyard, cell, raked-over border track, cars in no-man's land, watch towers, stakes, dog patrols I feel sorry for the poor immigrant
who has wasted his energy for nothing
his heaven seems to be made of steel
and his tears fall like rain
his dreams will eventually
shatter like glass
I feel sorry for the poor immigrant
as his happiness fades Polish border post, part 1 old border, vehicle controls, with dog, inspection devices, co-2 equipment, passport-monitoring equipment, EU stickers everywhere On the Polish side of the border, money seems to be less of an issue. Since 1997, the EU has contributed more than 86 million euros to strengthening Europes new eastern border. A decade ago, this was the Polish-Ukrainian border, now it looks like this. (?) Only the old cars are reminders of bygone days. This customs officer at the Korczowa border post measures the oxygen level in a lorry, to ensure that no illegal immigrants are hiding inside. Marijuana dogs search cars for drugs. With yet another device, the videoscope, a closed cabin can be screened and checked. Furthermore, passports and visas can be screened inside to check if they're genuine. From the air, this plane keeps an eye on the situation. There's little doubt about where the money came from to pay for the technology. Border guard Arthur Bik is especially proud of all the changes in recent years. Major A. Bik, Korczowa border post "A lot has changed since I started as a border guard. We had no modern equipment in those days, like sophisticated computer systems and technologies such as night-vision goggles and thermal imagers. We didn't have them in the fight against crime. If I had to work like that again, I'd think twice about it." All the sophisticated technical devices means that people now talk about the 'Electronic Curtain', an updated version of the phrase 'Iron Curtain'. Only imports that comply with stringent EU regulations are allowed into Poland. This spanking-new veterinary centre is a good example of what the millions in EU subsidies are being spent on. Proudly, the major encourages me to go inside. The vet on duty agrees to show us around. He has plenty of time, because there's not a soul in sight, nor a single animal that needs testing. Only imports that comply with stringent EU regulations are allowed into Poland, and that applies not only to people but also cows, pigs, chickens, dogs, goats and sheep. This lab was custom built with the ability to check for disease. But the filing cabinets are still more or less empty. Lorry used for smuggling
walks up, opens lorry, various close-ups The most recent triumph in the fight against human traffickers was due, ironically enough, to the actions of an alert customs officer and not to expensive technology. The driver of this lorry seemed very agitated. In the double front wall of the lorry's hold, the border guard discovered eight Sri Lankans on their way to relatives in England. Major A. Bik, Korczowa border post "It is interesting to know that from the information we received we have been able to establish that the illegal immigrants were well organised. They had sleeping pills and painkillers and even wore extra-thick nappies in case sniffer dogs were used to search the lorry. The nappies make it harder for the dogs to pick up human scent." The lorry driver used a torch to warn the illegal immigrants to keep quiet when danger threatened. Green border peace and quiet!, drive there, walk through grass, at border posts This are is known as the 'green border'. Biks battalion has to patrol15 kilometres of forest. Its no easy task. At this spot in January, on a freezing-cold winter's night, 21 Kurds attempted to cross the border. Bik "Based on what I've seen, I've come to the conclusion that illegal immigrants are often treated in a barbaric way. They are beaten, then locked up. Men, women and children together, with no sanitary facilities. Often, they are given no food and sometimes not even water. It is dreadful. But when we catch groups like this, we try to show them that we are not like that. We try to help them, we give them breakfast, and make tea and coffee for them. We do our best to help them recover physically and mentally." Border river
Bik through tall grass river pan close follow of Bik tall grass again Despite the pitch dark, they managed to arrest the group of Kurds. But the border is far from watertight. Major Bik may be proud but he is also realistic. He takes me to a river where anyone can swim or float across to Europe, and what's more, without leaving any tracks. The river must be allowed to flow and they can't post guards everywhere. Bik: We are aware, partly thanks to information from our superiors, that hundreds of thousands of illegals are waiting in the Ukraine. We know that adequate measures on the Polish side alone is not enough. " I pity the poor immigrant, instrumental, saxophone version Ukrainian border, part 2:
musical break
11.27.22 geese cross road
11.5.04 various villagers from Krakovec On the Ukrainian side, a project has been set up. Local villagers are encouraged to keep their eyes and ears open for illegal immigrants. The project is still in its infancy, but the plan is to train groups of volunteers from all the villages to respond promptly if they notice anything suspicious. 15.11 farmer plucking crops in the distance
23.20 blackberry-picking
23.33 ditto medium Farmer Wladeck Omacki "You can't guard every metre of the border, that's obvious. But if I'm walking around here with my cows, I can help."
Corruption: Add spooky music shots of border control A Ukrainian border guard earns about 100 euros a month. Human smugglers offer an attractive supplement to this meagre salary. Stories of corruption regularly do the rounds, but proving it is the problem. Besides, border guards may not earn much, but it is a prestigious job, says the commander. And even high wages dont guarantee therell be no corruption. Colonel V. Shir, commander L'viv border battalion "If any of our guards help the illegals, they are sacked. They no longer work for us. But we can't change attitudes in a day, it is a gradual process. And to make it work, we must check and monitor our men, and this is how we can stop our border guards from choosing a life of crime." Polish border, part 2: shots
- night-vision goggles
- jeep, motor cycle, thermal-imager van, clothing
- to the meadow with a torch
- thermal-imager (under close jeep drives off) A few hours later, the night shift on the Polish side prepares for a long night. One by one, the brand new vehicles leave. In the meantime, Major Bik shows us his night-vision goggles. Like all the rest of his equipment there is an EU sticker on the packaging. A thermal-imaging van is quickly checked before it, too, disappears into the darkness. driving shot with torch, torch shines across ext. of van Shortly after, we are taken to a secret location. To avoid being seen, even the car's headlights are switched off. Armed only with a torch we have to be careful that we don't end up in a ditch. Bik "The threat is very real. It is not a game that we have to learn to play. It is a real battle between two sides. We guard the border and track down smugglers and criminals, and they try to cross, in order to make money." shots of thermovision
From inside the van, it is possible to see kilometres into the distance. Body heat means everything above ground level can be seen immediately. Various groups of illegal immigrants have been caught recently using this equipment. At present there are just a few lorry drivers waiting at the border. Further along, there is a horse in the meadow, but this evening there is not an illegal immigrant in sight. (border river) During the day, it all looks a lot friendlier. But on the Polish side, corruption is a problem too. If anyone gives in to temptation, every border guard will hear about it, says Bik. But corruption is becoming less and less of a problem nowadays. Bik "It's not only the illegal immigrants, we're also told about the other cases too. They are discussed in detail after work and during training courses. It is important to raise awareness among the guards. They must realise that honesty can't be bought." Ukraine, part 3: Carpathians hamlet of Uzhok farmers' wives It is common knowledge, not only among border guards but also among the local populations in the border regions, that you can earn a bit on the side by helping the people smugglers. On the Ukrainian side especially, there is a lot of poverty. In Uzhok, one of the many mountain villages in the Carpathians, near the Polish border, most people earn less than 70 euros a month. Olena Petrum (blue)
Vasylina Kostiak (black hair) Olena and Vasylina "This is a frightening place to be. We are afraid that something will happen to us or to our children. We don't know how far these people will go. Our children take the cows to the woods or pick mushrooms there. It is dangerous for children. And for us too. They could be kidnapped or taken hostage. Anything could happen and that's frightening." In wintertime especially, the extreme cold and the terrain are huge obstacles. People smugglers rely on the local population to hide them and to act as guides. At first, Olena and Vasylina deny that Uzhok villagers collaborate with the traffickers but when I press them it seems that there is more than meets the eye. "There is no justice. Or they have links with law enforcement. That's why they are not punished. There is no justice, as usual." People only run the risk of being arrested if they blatantly start throwing money around, say Olena and Vasylina. "There are people in this village who have become rich because of the immigrants. Later on, you hear that they're in jail. For even as much as five years." Barracks, part 2: Indians in slo-mo through sunny shots of barracks Indian Gurdeep Singh s/o Radha Singh "We're fed up with it. Hopefully they'll release us, then we can go home. We don't know how our families are coping. I have children, who don't even know if their father is still alive." 13.26.27 standup Frank Herfst, L'viv "Stranded in the Ukraine, stuck near Fort Europe's long eastern border, these Indians are further from home than they'd ever imagined. They are just insignificant pawns in a brutal game between human smugglers, illegal gangs, and the border guards here. Ultimately, it all boils down to one thing: money. The money of fortune seekers who have visions of mountains of gold in Europe, money for the smugglers who take them there, and EU money which could dry up because of this whole army of illegal immigrants."
Indian III: Gurdeep Singh s/o Radha singh 1- When we arrived in Moscow he said: "I'll arrange transport for you guys. You can make a lot of money out of it. You'll recuperate your costs within a year." They were going to take us to Hungary. It was an awful, miserable journey. Intro Ukraine action shots of both border battalions, build-up tension - night shot, dog on patrol, train inspection, Indians walking in yard, motor-cycle policeman, ACTION Mini quotes: "It's not easy to guard 300 kilometres of border." "We're still winning at the moment, but will it stay like that? I hope so." "It's Ukraine's fate that it's geographically positioned on the transition route." "Illegal immigrants are often treated barbarically." "The people who blame the Ukraine for this influx of immigrants is incompetent." This is the threshold of Europe's new backdoor: the border region between Poland and the Ukraine. It's a door that many dont take the trouble to knock on before entering.
Indian Gurdeep Singh s/o Radha Singh "The smuggler didn't talk to us much, and we didn't speak their language. We only speak Punjabi. We had no idea what was going on." Train shots, general noise, checks by border guards Ukrainian border, part 1 The EU considers the Ukraine to be of fundamental importance to the stability of Europe. Since the beginning of 2003, Ukrainian border police have arrested almost 5,000 illegal immigrants, mostly from China, India and other Asian countries. Q. Commander Shir "Usually, the illegals don't reach Ukrainian territory independently. They are normally brought here by organised smuggling groups. That is organised crime.
They bring them as far as the border. These criminal organisations no longer operate from just one country, but internationally. Preventing such organised crime is a stiff task. More than 45,000 border guards are now in action and the force is reorganising and modernising. The message Ukrainian leaders want to put out is that the Ukraine is doing everything in its power to enter the European Union. But near the Krakovec border checkpoint, there is little evidence of the new investments. - bang The ploughed-up sand track is to ensure that those crossing the border illegally leave clear footprints. Crude wooden stakes poking from the ground offer further protection.. However, this year, in this area, nearly150 illegal immigrants were caught while trying to cross the border. Q. Major V. Malnichanko, repl Commander of Mostis'ka border area, Chief-of-staff repl. Commander Krakovec border checkpoint. "The border guards learn how to interpret the tracks. They learn to tell if they're from just two people or a whole group. Then, later on, dogs can be used. They can follow the trail. Then we can catch the illegals". Music shots of border post Illegal immigrants also regularly try to get in by going through the normal border checkpoints. Recently, the Ukraine was given its first computerised system in order to catch illegal immigrants travelling on false passports or visas. But there is scant evidence of many other technological devices in this new building. L'viv barracks with Indians wide shot of L'viv
shots of marching drills, with commander in the background, close-up of boots, Indians going outside, cell bars
The regional headquarters is in L'viv. By Summer 2003, the number of illegal immigrants arrested by the battalion was the same as for the whole of the previous year. The Ukrainians don't really know what to do with these illegal immigrants. In the courtyard of their headquarters, are a group of Indians, held here since last Christmas. They are kept in the cellar of the complex, but the cameras were denied access. Indian Gurdeep Singh s/o Radha Singh "At night they left us in the cold without saying a word. We walked around aimlessly, then the police arrested us. We asked them what the problem was. They said: You're here illegally." They are imprisoned between home and nowhere: prisoners in a no-man's land, with no money to go home, in a country that is too poor to deport them. Now they have just one wish: to return to India. And they are not the only ones by far. The real reception camps are overcrowded. The cells here are not meant to hold people for more than just a few nights. Furthermore, the Indians have to share their cells with the smugglers, who abandoned them.
Q. Colonel V.shir, Commander L'viv border battalion "The illegal border crossings resulted in contact with the Indian Embassy. The embassy does not have the funds to repatriate its own citizens, so they cannot go home and therefore they are held in reception camps and the Ukraine foots the bill. That is the whole problem basically, when it comes to the deportation of illegal immigrants." Indian Gurdeep Singh s/o Radha Singh "We've been here now for eight months. We're really fed up with it. We're worn out by this situation and unable to work because of it. We itch all over because of the lice. We're sick and tired of it." break with music by Bob Dylan, shots of the courtyard, cell, raked-over border track, cars in no-man's land, watch towers, stakes, dog patrols I feel sorry for the poor immigrant
who has wasted his energy for nothing
his heaven seems to be made of steel
and his tears fall like rain
his dreams will eventually
shatter like glass
I feel sorry for the poor immigrant
as his happiness fades Polish border post, part 1 old border, vehicle controls, with dog, inspection devices, co-2 equipment, passport-monitoring equipment, EU stickers everywhere On the Polish side of the border, money seems to be less of an issue. Since 1997, the EU has contributed more than 86 million euros to strengthening Europes new eastern border. A decade ago, this was the Polish-Ukrainian border, now it looks like this. (?) Only the old cars are reminders of bygone days. This customs officer at the Korczowa border post measures the oxygen level in a lorry, to ensure that no illegal immigrants are hiding inside. Marijuana dogs search cars for drugs. With yet another device, the videoscope, a closed cabin can be screened and checked. Furthermore, passports and visas can be screened inside to check if they're genuine. From the air, this plane keeps an eye on the situation. There's little doubt about where the money came from to pay for the technology. Border guard Arthur Bik is especially proud of all the changes in recent years. Major A. Bik, Korczowa border post "A lot has changed since I started as a border guard. We had no modern equipment in those days, like sophisticated computer systems and technologies such as night-vision goggles and thermal imagers. We didn't have them in the fight against crime. If I had to work like that again, I'd think twice about it." All the sophisticated technical devices means that people now talk about the 'Electronic Curtain', an updated version of the phrase 'Iron Curtain'. Only imports that comply with stringent EU regulations are allowed into Poland. This spanking-new veterinary centre is a good example of what the millions in EU subsidies are being spent on. Proudly, the major encourages me to go inside. The vet on duty agrees to show us around. He has plenty of time, because there's not a soul in sight, nor a single animal that needs testing. Only imports that comply with stringent EU regulations are allowed into Poland, and that applies not only to people but also cows, pigs, chickens, dogs, goats and sheep. This lab was custom built with the ability to check for disease. But the filing cabinets are still more or less empty. Lorry used for smuggling
walks up, opens lorry, various close-ups The most recent triumph in the fight against human traffickers was due, ironically enough, to the actions of an alert customs officer and not to expensive technology. The driver of this lorry seemed very agitated. In the double front wall of the lorry's hold, the border guard discovered eight Sri Lankans on their way to relatives in England. Major A. Bik, Korczowa border post "It is interesting to know that from the information we received we have been able to establish that the illegal immigrants were well organised. They had sleeping pills and painkillers and even wore extra-thick nappies in case sniffer dogs were used to search the lorry. The nappies make it harder for the dogs to pick up human scent." The lorry driver used a torch to warn the illegal immigrants to keep quiet when danger threatened. Green border peace and quiet!, drive there, walk through grass, at border posts This are is known as the 'green border'. Biks battalion has to patrol15 kilometres of forest. Its no easy task. At this spot in January, on a freezing-cold winter's night, 21 Kurds attempted to cross the border. Bik "Based on what I've seen, I've come to the conclusion that illegal immigrants are often treated in a barbaric way. They are beaten, then locked up. Men, women and children together, with no sanitary facilities. Often, they are given no food and sometimes not even water. It is dreadful. But when we catch groups like this, we try to show them that we are not like that. We try to help them, we give them breakfast, and make tea and coffee for them. We do our best to help them recover physically and mentally." Border river
Bik through tall grass river pan close follow of Bik tall grass again Despite the pitch dark, they managed to arrest the group of Kurds. But the border is far from watertight. Major Bik may be proud but he is also realistic. He takes me to a river where anyone can swim or float across to Europe, and what's more, without leaving any tracks. The river must be allowed to flow and they can't post guards everywhere. Bik: We are aware, partly thanks to information from our superiors, that hundreds of thousands of illegals are waiting in the Ukraine. We know that adequate measures on the Polish side alone is not enough. " I pity the poor immigrant, instrumental, saxophone version Ukrainian border, part 2:
musical break
11.27.22 geese cross road
11.5.04 various villagers from Krakovec On the Ukrainian side, a project has been set up. Local villagers are encouraged to keep their eyes and ears open for illegal immigrants. The project is still in its infancy, but the plan is to train groups of volunteers from all the villages to respond promptly if they notice anything suspicious. 15.11 farmer plucking crops in the distance
23.20 blackberry-picking
23.33 ditto medium Farmer Wladeck Omacki "You can't guard every metre of the border, that's obvious. But if I'm walking around here with my cows, I can help."
Corruption: Add spooky music shots of border control A Ukrainian border guard earns about 100 euros a month. Human smugglers offer an attractive supplement to this meagre salary. Stories of corruption regularly do the rounds, but proving it is the problem. Besides, border guards may not earn much, but it is a prestigious job, says the commander. And even high wages dont guarantee therell be no corruption. Colonel V. Shir, commander L'viv border battalion "If any of our guards help the illegals, they are sacked. They no longer work for us. But we can't change attitudes in a day, it is a gradual process. And to make it work, we must check and monitor our men, and this is how we can stop our border guards from choosing a life of crime." Polish border, part 2: shots
- night-vision goggles
- jeep, motor cycle, thermal-imager van, clothing
- to the meadow with a torch
- thermal-imager (under close jeep drives off) A few hours later, the night shift on the Polish side prepares for a long night. One by one, the brand new vehicles leave. In the meantime, Major Bik shows us his night-vision goggles. Like all the rest of his equipment there is an EU sticker on the packaging. A thermal-imaging van is quickly checked before it, too, disappears into the darkness. driving shot with torch, torch shines across ext. of van Shortly after, we are taken to a secret location. To avoid being seen, even the car's headlights are switched off. Armed only with a torch we have to be careful that we don't end up in a ditch. Bik "The threat is very real. It is not a game that we have to learn to play. It is a real battle between two sides. We guard the border and track down smugglers and criminals, and they try to cross, in order to make money." shots of thermovision
From inside the van, it is possible to see kilometres into the distance. Body heat means everything above ground level can be seen immediately. Various groups of illegal immigrants have been caught recently using this equipment. At present there are just a few lorry drivers waiting at the border. Further along, there is a horse in the meadow, but this evening there is not an illegal immigrant in sight. (border river) During the day, it all looks a lot friendlier. But on the Polish side, corruption is a problem too. If anyone gives in to temptation, every border guard will hear about it, says Bik. But corruption is becoming less and less of a problem nowadays. Bik "It's not only the illegal immigrants, we're also told about the other cases too. They are discussed in detail after work and during training courses. It is important to raise awareness among the guards. They must realise that honesty can't be bought." Ukraine, part 3: Carpathians hamlet of Uzhok farmers' wives It is common knowledge, not only among border guards but also among the local populations in the border regions, that you can earn a bit on the side by helping the people smugglers. On the Ukrainian side especially, there is a lot of poverty. In Uzhok, one of the many mountain villages in the Carpathians, near the Polish border, most people earn less than 70 euros a month. Olena Petrum (blue)
Vasylina Kostiak (black hair) Olena and Vasylina "This is a frightening place to be. We are afraid that something will happen to us or to our children. We don't know how far these people will go. Our children take the cows to the woods or pick mushrooms there. It is dangerous for children. And for us too. They could be kidnapped or taken hostage. Anything could happen and that's frightening." In wintertime especially, the extreme cold and the terrain are huge obstacles. People smugglers rely on the local population to hide them and to act as guides. At first, Olena and Vasylina deny that Uzhok villagers collaborate with the traffickers but when I press them it seems that there is more than meets the eye. "There is no justice. Or they have links with law enforcement. That's why they are not punished. There is no justice, as usual." People only run the risk of being arrested if they blatantly start throwing money around, say Olena and Vasylina. "There are people in this village who have become rich because of the immigrants. Later on, you hear that they're in jail. For even as much as five years." Barracks, part 2: Indians in slo-mo through sunny shots of barracks Indian Gurdeep Singh s/o Radha Singh "We're fed up with it. Hopefully they'll release us, then we can go home. We don't know how our families are coping. I have children, who don't even know if their father is still alive." 13.26.27 standup Frank Herfst, L'viv "Stranded in the Ukraine, stuck near Fort Europe's long eastern border, these Indians are further from home than they'd ever imagined. They are just insignificant pawns in a brutal game between human smugglers, illegal gangs, and the border guards here. Ultimately, it all boils down to one thing: money. The money of fortune seekers who have visions of mountains of gold in Europe, money for the smugglers who take them there, and EU money which could dry up because of this whole army of illegal immigrants."