In this powerful new episode of Perfiles by Dawn Page, we travel to one of the most dangerous crossings along the U.S.-Mexico border — Sasabe, Arizona — to accompany filmmaker and social justice advocate David Damian Figueroa to document his humanitarian efforts with the Samaritans, a group dedicated to saving migrants’ lives.

During a walk-and-talk along the imposing border wall, Figueroa shares what drives migrants to risk everything for a better life. We also discuss his documentaries, including Shura and The Cross Man, and he recounts firsthand stories of migrants he has aided. The realities of his work come vividly to life when we encounter traveling migrants during our journey.