(PNS reporting from CANADIA) David Pérez became the first NAFTA mojado when he crossed illegally into Canadia Saturday.
The undocumented worker from Jalpa, Zacatecas first crossed the Rio Grande into the United States near San Elizario, TX, 10 years ago seeking employment in El Norte.
After working in El Paso for a year doing construction, he continued north, staying with relatives in Denver, Chicago, and Minnesota.
“I kept searching for El Norte and there was always more Norte to explore,” Pérez told PNS.
The 33-year-old bachelor crossed into Canuckia near International Falls, MN.
“My primo Pablo in Battle Creek took me to visit Canada. When we got to the border there was a river that divided the nations. I took it like a sign from God, so I decided to cross into Canada como I crossed into the U.S,” Pérez told PNS.
Pérez was not apprehended by Canadian or U.S. immigration officials while crossing the Rainy River. He packed his clothes and UNAM cap into a plastic Trader’s Joe bag attatched to his leg for the swim. “I heard there is more El Norte above Canada,” Pérez said after being picked up by his primo en el otro lado.
Photo of folks not in this story at all by Elvert Barnes