Sam Schultz, a 69-year-old resident of Jacumba Hot Springs, California, has taken it upon himself to aid the thousands of migrants living in makeshift camps near the U.S.-Mexico border. As a Christian and a Quaker, Schultz believes in the responsibility to care for those around him, and he felt compelled to alleviate their suffering. Starting in late October of 2023, Schultz began providing food, water, blankets, and more to the migrants he encountered. He estimates that he fed more than 400 people a day for 90 consecutive days. Since then, the effort has grown with the help of volunteers and donations.
Schultz’s decision to engage in humanitarian efforts at the border stems from his belief that the wealthy benefit from mass migration, a perspective that is often overlooked in the heated debate over immigration. Despite the border issue being a contentious topic in the 2024 presidential elections, Schultz has opted not to align with either side, as he believes that neither political party will truly address the root causes of the issue. Instead, he remains focused on providing aid to those in need in the desert, drawing on his experience as a relief worker in Indonesia in the early 2000s.
As Schultz continues his mission to help migrants near the border, he remains prepared for any changes in the situation. While the number of migrants crossing in his area has slowed, he attributes this to a pause before the elections and increased efforts by Mexico to deter migrants. Despite the potential challenges ahead, Schultz remains committed to safeguarding the stockpiles of supplies he has accumulated through donations and assistance. He acknowledges the difficulty of stepping away from this work once he has started, expressing uncertainty about how to have an “off switch” for his efforts.
With a deep sense of empathy and a desire to alleviate suffering, Sam Schultz exemplifies the impact that an individual can have on the lives of marginalized communities. His dedication to providing aid to asylum-seeking migrants in the desert highlights the importance of compassion and humanitarianism in addressing complex social issues. Schultz’s story serves as a reminder of the power of individual action to bring about positive change, even in the face of political divisions and challenges.
