Francisco Cantú, author of The Line Becomes A River

1550 University Avenue,Morgantown WV 26506

16 November, 2021

Description

A true story of terror and tragedy of the migrants who risk and lose their lives attempting to cross the border. Raised in the Southwest, and a student of US/Mexico relations, Francisco Cantú wanted to see the realities of the border up-close. He enlisted as a US border patrol agent in 2008 and spent the next four years working in the deserts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. During blistering days and frigid nights, he and his partners apprehended migrants who were risking their lives to cross to a new country. Haunted by his interactions with border-crossers and rattled by an inescapable proximity to violence, Cantú decided to return to civilian life, only to discover that the border had followed him home. When an immigrant friend traveled back to Mexico to visit his dying mother and didn’t return, Cantú found himself moved to uncover the entire story. His searing memoir, The Line Becomes a River depicts the cruelties the border creates, for Americans and Mexicans on both sides of the line. Cantú speaks frankly, compassionately, and knowledgeably about the terror and tragedy of the migrants who risk and lose their lives attempting to cross the border. A master story-teller, he gives human faces to the nameless multitudes, and refutes the incendiary policy and rhetoric aimed at them. ****************************************************************************************************** NOTE: WVU Honors students will receive priority for claiming complimentary tickets through Nov. 8. Any unclaimed seats will be available beginning November 9th. ****************************************************************************************************** Co-sponsored by the WVU Humanities Council and Campus Read. *Books will be sold onsite or you may bring your own copy to have signed by the author at the conclusion of the event.