New banner states case against fence

Pamela Taylor stands next to the banner she posted on the corner of Monsees Road, not far from where the border fence will soon be erected. The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) current plans would put Taylor's home on the south side of the fence without any clear access points.

On Monday night, Taylor and a small group of Southmost landowners met with County Commissioner Sofia C.Benavides and DHS representatives to discuss their predicament.

The fence is expected to run through much of Benavides' precinct.

Landowners in the Southmost area - especially those whose property will be behind the fence - have plenty of questions about the barrier. Taylor, 79, isn't sure how fire fighters or emergency medical services will get to her home.

The banner, which reads, "We're part of America. We need representation and protection, not a fence" is Taylor's message to government officials.

"We're trying to spread democracy all over the world, but we don't even have it here," Taylor said. "As an American citizen, it makes me ashamed."

So far, DHS has not offered her any compensation. But even if it does, she said, it wouldn't be enough for the home where she's lived for 51 years.

"It's not the money," she said. "It's the romping and stomping on our rights."